To ensure that no one breaches the lockdown norms and considering the habitual need of individuals, the government started to make tobacco products available at the doorstep starting today. However, understanding the existing legal glitches and the effects of the tobacco products, it will be sold in reduced quantities.
Despite the nationwide lockdown, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering during the press brief on COVID-19 yesterday said that the government will make tobacco and alcohol products available.
“For those who are used to drinking every day, nothing can substitute the craving for alcohol. That’s why we are planning to distribute and supply alcohol to those who need it. Likewise, it is the same case with tobacco. Those who smoke every day and if they are unable to get cigarettes as usual they tend to get wild and act differently. They are also struggling, that’s why, as per the rules and regulations of the duty-free shop, we are planning to make tobacco available as well,” said Lyonchhen.
For the purpose, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) and the Ministry of Economic Affairs (MoEA) has been assigned to monitor the supply of tobacco and alcohol.
Spearheaded by the MoF, the duty-free shop’s representatives travelled with the vegetable delivery team in Thimphu to supply tobacco products starting from today. Officials from the Duty-Free shop revealed that they have been receiving numerous orders but are finding it difficult to deliver tobacco products to everyone. As of today, only cigarettes were sold as chewing tobacco is out of stock.
Meanwhile, MoEA is working on the Standard Operating Procedures and seeking Expression of Interest from various retailer shops to deliver alcohol to doorsteps. The ministry expects to make the services available from tomorrow.
Following such arrangement from the government’s side, many netizens took to various social media platforms expressing concerns as well as relief. While some were delighted with the move, some shared concerns of people trying to overcome depression, anxieties and other mental problems becoming addicted to tobacco products and alcohol.
While there is not much information on the delivery of counselling and treatment services for people with drug and substance-related disorders during the lockdown period, Bhutan Institute of Wellbeing successfully admitted three young men with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) at the JDWNRH yesterday evening. During this pandemic, People with SUDs find it very hard to adjust as counselling and treatment services are the only means of help for them.
Passang Dorji
