The National Assembly adopted the Tobacco Control (Amendment) Bill 2021 along with ten recommendations from the National Council. The NC’s recommendations were all in line with the National Assembly’s amendment adopted on the Bill. The National Council found that some sections related to the responsibilities of implementing agencies and enforcement measures need to be removed.
In addition to the eleven sections repealed by the National Assembly, the National Council recommended removing some more sections. For instance, the National Council found that promoting public awareness on import limitation, especially in border areas, or examining any container or package that an official believes contains tobacco products irrelevant.
However, the rest of the provisions like restrictions on smoking in public places, institutions and offices, public transports and entertainment centres will stand as per the existing law.
And to regulate the sale and distribution of tobacco and tobacco products in the country, Prime Minister Dr Lotay Tshering said, the government will come up with rules and regulations.
“People might think that tobacco and tobacco products will be available in every shop. But it’s not like that. I have consulted with the relevant stakeholders and agencies on how to go about it. Therefore, soon, we will come up with the rules and regulations on the import, sell and distribution of tobacco and its products and share it with the people,” said the Prime Minister.
The government declared the Tobacco Bill as an Urgent Bill following the continuous smuggling of tobacco products through the country’s porous southern border and associated threats of importing coronavirus into the country.
And since there was no recommendation from the National Council on the Tax Bill of Bhutan 2021, the Speaker announced the Bill adopted.
The Bills will now be submitted for Royal Assent.
Sonam Tenzin & Pema Seldon Tshering
