Gibraltar, Spain: Tobacco Restrictions at Frontier Irk Spanish Workers

Source from:  Gibraltar Chronicle (gi)  01/10/2013

Restrictions on the cigarette importation quota allowed by the Spanish authorities through the frontier as a means to curb illegal tobacco smuggling are already causing rumblings of discontent among frontier workers on the Rock.

The move which came into effect on January 1st, effectively penalises persons living within a radius of 15 kilometres from the border, in other words residents of the Campo, by reducing the quota from the previous entitlement of one carton a month (200 cigarettes) to four packs (80 cigarettes).

Spanish nationals outside this zone – or indeed other nationalities – are not subject to its provisions.
 
Spanish workers association ASCTEG are challenging the constitutional validity of the measures on grounds of discrimination against Campo residents. Additionally they argue that residents in the Spanish hinterland of Andorra are allowed a monthly quota of 300 cigarettes.

ASCTEG have also pointed to the inconsistency that whereas some districts in Algeciras would be affected by the move, residents of other parts of the city beyond the distance limit would not.

ASCTEG have also been keen to make a distinction between the purely delinquent activity of smugglers and those workers who are seeking to supplement their income or simply to buy the cigarettes they smoke at a cheaper price.
 
"We are against all forms of contraband," an ASCTEG spokesman told the Spanish press this week.

In the current climate of economic recession and unemployment in the Campo, cross border organised and individual tobacco smuggling activities have multiplied. The measure by the Spanish authorities is intended as a reaction to this.

Gibraltar itself affected by these cross-border smuggling activities and the rampant anti-social behaviour that often goes hand in hand with them, has also responded with the announcement by the Government of the creation of special policing zones in housing estates which have been the worst hit.
 
Throughout 2012 it was a recurrent sight to see droves of 'matuteros' congregating in small tobacco shops in housing estates, creating difficulties for residents and leaving behind inordinate amounts of litter. Enditem