Administrative and tax law

Liquid authorised in accompanied baggage "On departure from the French sector of the airport, a hand baggage inspector confiscated a 100 ml cream prescribed by my doctor. Ignoring my explanations, she demanded that I send this precious liquid as checked baggage on the grounds that only medicines to be consumed...

Santa's elves sweat at work The end of the year is a time of intense stress in my workplace. Added to this pressure is another worry for me: the colleague who works right next to me (in the 'open space' where we prepare the presents, which, it should be pointed out, are made of...

Are the makers of the Swiss back? I was surprised to read in my Tribune de Genève this week that there is apparently a "Handbook on nationality" that sets out criteria for refusing entry to Switzerland to people who have committed traffic offences: what exactly are these criteria? P, Vaud The...

The Prefect's powers " I inadvertently crossed a white line coming out of a stop sign. The police stopped me and told me that I would be hearing from the Prefect. Can you explain to me what I'm exposing myself to and why my case falls under the remit of the Prefect as if I were a hit-and-run driver?" P, Vaud The law on road traffic stipulates...

The advantages of pillar 3A "I currently live and work in Geneva and have been advised to set up a pillar 3A. I've been told that Pillar 3A has tax advantages over my savings account. Is that true?" Florence, Eaux-Vives The occupational pension system in Switzerland is based...

The "CH" sticker is compulsory abroad "This summer I went on holiday with my car. When I crossed the border, a customs officer noticed that my vehicle didn't have the CH sticker, and I was fined! However, no car in Switzerland bears this logo any more....

A B permit doesn't allow you to travel " I'm a French citizen living in Switzerland and hold a B permit. I was planning to go to Portugal this weekend, but I can't find my French identity documents. Can I go with just my B permit? Can I obtain a provisional passport from the French consulate in...

The sale of alcohol is highly regulated " What rules need to be taken into account when selling alcoholic beverages in a restaurant? " Stéphane, Versoix Your question is very general, so this answer will necessarily be too! The three main laws that need to be taken into account are the Federal Act...

Retirement before or after the set age? "I'm approaching retirement age and would like to know whether I can take my pension after the set age if I don't opt for early retirement. Another question: if I reach retirement age on the 13th of the month, will I be entitled to my pension from the following day?