It was an ancient tax from the time of the Colony. In Venezuela it is synonymous with retainer, toll, checkpoint.
Alcabala : Formerly, jébega, very large fishing net.
ALCABALA:GRAVAMEN, CONTRIBUTION, OR MARGINAL TAX FROM THE CROWN OF CASTILE TO BE COMERS IN A CONTRACT OF SALE.
Alcabala: f. 1 - old tax of Muslim origin of indirect character levied domestic commercial transactions. 2 police checkpoint. In Venezuela the alcabalas function as checkpoints of the National Guard, mainly on roads and paths.