Since the ban on the sale and distribution of tobacco and tobacco products was lifted last year, there is a public misconception says the BNCA. People think that smoking in public places is permitted which is not correct.
The Bhutan Narcotics Control Authority (BNCA) says smoking in public places is prohibited and liable for a fine. But many believe that the restriction was also lifted when the sale and distribution of tobacco and tobacco products were lifted last year.
“In the past, smokers smoked in a hiding. There was a fear. But these days, we see people smoking freely in public spaces. When I return home, I see a lot of people smoking freely on the stairs,” said Kota, one of the residents in Thimphu.
“Even while travelling in a taxi, people don’t bother and light a cigarette and smoke freely,” said Budha Rani, another resident.
For now, to clarify this misconception, BNCA officials have been going around sensitising the people.
On their rounds, they say they find a huge number of offenders in a day compared to only a few in the past.
Officiating Director of BNCA, Ugyen Tshering, said there are wrong perceptions among the general public. The Tobacco Control (Amendment) Act of Bhutan 2021, prohibits any individuals to smoke in public places, except in the designated smoking rooms.
“At present, at least 20 to 25 people are found smoking in public places a day. We also would like to appeal for support and solicit the cooperation of every citizen to protect the health and to ensure a safe environment,” added Officiating Director of BNCA.
But the office is now planning to carry out strict inspections and penalise offenders.
The government lifted the ban on the import and sale of tobacco and tobacco products as an interim measure to stop smugglings through the country’s porous borders amid the coronavirus pandemic.
Pema Seldon Tshering
Edited by Tshering Zam
