The Regional Trade and Industry Office in Trongsa say the office will not be able to implement the resolution passed by the Dzongkhag Tshogdu until further notice from the ministry.
The Dzongkhag Tshogdu, last year, had endorsed a regulation, which says bars and shops selling alcohol within 100 meters from schools and educational institutions should be relocated.
The regulation was passed after an extensive deliberation at the eighth session of Dzongkhag Tshogdu.
Despite several letters between the Dzongkhag Tshogdu and Department of Trade, which is the implementing agency, the regulation could not be enforced.
“We are not going to back out in any case, because the decision was taken unanimously,” said Dzongkhag Tshogdu’s Chairperson, Tashi Pelden.
He said it is their responsibility to frame and inspect the laws at the grass roots. “If the decision is revoked, there should be a proof why it was revoked or else the order will have to come from the Cabinet.”
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Tashi Pelden also said if the order comes from different ministries than it means they have a sway over the local government.
He added that health minister, during a recent meeting, had agreed to put up the issue to the Cabinet.
The Regional Trade and Industry Office in Trongsa said there is already a regulation which states bars should not be allowed near Dratshang, Rabdeys, Gomdays, Shedras, Dzongs, and educational institutions.
However, there is no mention of specific distance.
“We cannot have different rules for different dzongkhags whereby there will be lot of complications in implementations,” said the Regional Director of trade office in Trongsa, Aiman Mahat.
He said until the new rules from the economic affairs prevail, they will not implement the Dzongkhag Tshogdu’s resolution, at any cost, as the ministry has directed them to defer DT’s resolutions.
Aiman Mahat also said they will look into incorporating the relevant points when drafting the new alcohol regulations.
