Six people were fined Nu. 500 each for smoking in public places and offices as per the Tobacco Control Act. Two offices, a restaurant and a taxi were slapped a fine of Nu. 10,000 each for not having the ‘no smoking’ signboards.
The fines were imposed today during a joint inspection by the officers from Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency and other relevant stakeholders. The surprise visit was made randomly in the capital. According to the officials, similar inspection will be conducted anytime, anywhere.
The Assistant Legal Officer of the Bhutan Narcotic Control Agency, Sonam Tshering said it is high time to implement the provisions in the Act. “We have got the feedback that we are not implementing this provision very strictly.”
He added that some of the agencies including government offices are not aware of their roles and responsibilities, ‘forget about the private’. “And also we had lot of people always making excuses when we go for inspection. We had no other alternative then to impose fines as per the provisions of the Act because we have advocated enough,” he added.
