Although the Tobacco Control Act of Bhutan 2010 requires all businesses and workplaces to display “No-smoking signs in their respective areas, many are found not complying with the Act. In the last five years, the Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA) penalised almost 20 shops and offices for failing to do so. The authority levies Nu 10,000 in fines per incident for failing to display the ‘No smoking signs.’
According to the authority, the person-in-charge has to display the smoking prohibition sign indicating smoking is prohibited in all areas except for the designated place. The sign should be put up in all commercial and recreation centres, institution/offices, Public transportation including city busses and taxis.
However, not many follow it.
We are constantly carrying out sensitisation programmes to stop people smoking in public areas to create a healthy and smoke-free environment. Considering the importance, we will continuously and strictly implement the provisions of the Tobacco Control Act and shall impose fines to the person-in-charge or owners for non-compliance and those people smoking in public places or non-smoking designated areas,” said Ugyen Tshering, the Officiating Director General of the BNCA.
Over the months, the BNCA also penalised more than 20 people smoking in the No-smoking area and public places.
They were fined Nu 500 per incident.
Pema Seldon Tshering
