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Swiss cross-border shoppers fined for not wearing masks in Germany

Swiss cross-border shoppers have fallen foul of compulsory mask requirements when crossing the border to shop in Germany.

Published: 25 June 2020 11:54 CEST
Swiss cross-border shoppers fined for not wearing masks in Germany
A police control sign on the German border. Photo: CHRISTOF STACHE / AFP

Since June 15th, crossing the Swiss border to go shopping has again been allowed. 

Unlike in Switzerland, where masks are merely recommended, masks are required in supermarkets and retail stores – along with public transport – in all German states. 

With thousands of Swiss again crossing the border to shop, German authorities have increased patrols and handing out more fines to make sure everyone is complying with the mask requirement, regardless of where they live. 

As reported in the Südkurier, authorities in southern Germany have complained about Swiss shoppers’ refusal to wear masks. 

EXPLAINED: What are the rules for wearing masks in Switzerland?

Mayor Thomas Schaüble wrote to retailers in several municipalities in the Waldshut region to encourage them to enforce compliance.

The mayor said Swiss shoppers were causing a “more and more heated mood” by refusing to wear masks. 

Many border regions in Germany, France and Italy are heavily reliant on Swiss customers and have taken a hit during the border closures as a result of the pandemic. 

People wearing masks in a German supermarket. Photo: MICHAEL SOHN / POOL / AFP

 

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HEALTH

Switzerland could vote again on legalising cannabis

Swiss citizens could vote on whether to legalise cannabis after a new citizens' initiative proposed the legalisation, possession, cultivation, and sale of the drug in Switzerland.

Published: 2 May 2024 10:06 CEST
Switzerland could vote again on legalising cannabis

The new initiative was announced by the Federal Chancellery.

The initiative entitled “Legalising cannabis: an opportunity for the economy, health and equality” also calls for revenues from the taxation of cannabis products to be allocated to drug prevention as well as a campaign by the government to highlight the health risks of cannabis.

The organisers have 18 months – until October 2025 – to collect the 100,000 signatures required for a popular initiative to brought to the ballot box on a national level.

Cannabis has been illegal in Switzerland since 1951 and its use has been punishable by law since 1975. But national statistics say there are around 300,000 cannabis users in the country.

The new initiative states: “Legislation regarding the cultivation, possession and personal use of cannabis is the responsibility of the Confederation. Citizens who have reached the age of 18 can cultivate and possess cannabis.”

Cultivation and sale for commercial purposes would be permitted, the initiative states. Farms and points of sale would be subject to licensing and strict quality and safety standards. Individuals would be limited to growing 50 cannabis plants at home.

READ ALSO: What are Switzerland’s current rules on cannabis?

In a previous referendum held on this issue in 2008, 63 percent of voters rejected the legalisation. Since then, however, the tide may have turned, according to a government survey published in 2021.

In the meantime, several Swiss cities — Basel, Zurich, Geneva, Bern, Lausanne, and Lucerne — have launched pilot projects to see what health and social effects the regulated sale of cannabis has on its users, and society in general.

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