Many people are still confused what constitute a public area where they are banned from smoking. As per the Tobacco Control Amendment Act 2014, people found smoking in public areas will be fined.
As per the act, non-smoking areas are the commercial centers, recreation centers, public gatherings, Institutions, and public transports.
“I think one common misconception that people have is that they can smoke in toilets,” said Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency’s Deputy Chief and Program Officer, Dorji Tshering. “We would like to make it clear that irrespective of whether the center is a commercial centers, be it discotheques, draying, and shops and offices, both government and private, restrooms are considered non smoking areas.”
Dorji Tshering said if a person is found smoking in the restrooms, both the person in charge and the person smoking will be fined.
Bhutan Narcotics and Control Authority said people are not aware of the existing laws regarding public transports. Smoking in all forms of motor vehicles and aircrafts working as passenger transports are not allowed.
Smoking in sports and play fields is also not allowed.
As per the act, smoking in shops, vegetable market, lobbies and places to which public have access in hotel, airports, offices, educational centers, vegetable markets, among many others are all non smoking area.
