Bars and shops selling alcohol located within 100 metres from schools and other educational institutions across Trongsa will have to be relocated. This was decided by the Dzongkhag Tshogdu on Wednesday.
The Gewog leaders said bars located near the schools sell alcohol to students despite the act being unlawful. “Bars remain open all the time. There needs to be a good distance between bars and the schools, Dratshangs and Goendeys to ensure they are not located too close,” said Jigme Namgyel, the Gup of Tangsibji Gewog.
“We are not telling them to move out suddenly,” said the Tangsibji Gup, Jigme Namgyel. “And it’s not that we didn’t warn them. In fact, we have requested them personally many a times not to sell alcohol to students but they refused to listen. So, we are forced to take this decision,” he added.
While the decision was unanimous, there were concerns as well. Some local leaders said implementing the rule would be challenging. They fear the decision would meet stiff resistance from the bar owners.
“We have to think about what to do with shops and bars that’s been there for a long time. They were set up before the schools came into existence. Where are they supposed to go now,” questions Karma Letho, the town representative.
The Drakteng Gup, Galay Chophel said there are shops and bars run by families for generations. “They were set up way before the schools came up. It will be complicated to handle such cases,” he added.
The Trade Officials in Trongsa are, however, apprehensive. “The trade rule only says bars cannot be located near educational institutions. It doesn’t specify a distance. For instance in Trashigang, it is five kilometers. Now, if we apply this in Trongsa, the whole town will have to be relocated,” said Pema Tshering, Trade Officer, Regional Trade and Industry, Trongsa.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu had also decided that in the town, bars would not be allowed to be located within 50 metres from the Dzong.
