Update: the strike will not take place as an agreement has been reached with the government. Among the Faqs on the Government website it is now read that tobacconists are no longer required to check the Green Passes of each customer, but must carry out random checks on customers who have already entered the premises.
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A strike for tobacconists is in sight by virtue of the fact that, according to the latest government decrees, from 1 February it will be necessary to show the basic Green Pass to enter their premises.
For this reason, just on February 1 there could be a strike of tobacconists throughout the country and also in Naples considering that the National Council of the Italian Tobacconists Federation does not agree and is willing to protest.
Confirmation of the strike will be given in the next few days when the dialogue with the Government advances.
The obligation of the Green Pass
As mentioned, from February 1st it will be mandatory to show the basic Green Pass also at the tobacconist's, as well as in the following activities:
- shops;
- shopping centers;
- banks;
- Post office;
- public offices (Municipalities, Provinces, Regions);
- public services (such as INPS and the aforementioned post offices).
According to the decree, the obligation is until June 15.
John Risso, the national president of the Italian Tobacconist Federation, declared that negotiations have begun with the Government and, specifically, he will discuss with the undersecretary of the Minister of Health, Andrea Costa.
The fear of creating chaos and danger for tobacconists
According to the Federation, inserting this further obligation could create chaos outside the tobacconists because it will be complicated to check the Green Pass of everyone who goes to the store. Every day, throughout Italy, about 13 million people go to the tobacconist's e customers are already complying with the distancing and other anti-Covid measures like the obligation to wear a mask, Risso specifies.
He also fears that people may address the clandestine market to buy cigarettes, an area where you certainly don't bother to check the Green Pass.
In addition, the fact that i tobacconists will have to move from the counter to do the checks; counter which is almost always armored and safety reason considering that the premises are often subject to robberies. Reason why, the tobacconist might feel in danger.
