Tobacco ban and its aftermath

The case of tobacco ban in Bhutan has rather turned out to be a joke. Sale of tobacco products has been banned without actually restricting the indulgement. Tobacco can still be consumed in most social gatherings like pubs, bars, discotheques, and even in some of the restaurants.

Where do people buy them?

That is not a serious question. The result of tobacco ban has opened up whole new avenue for the establishment of black market where tobacco products are sold at higher price. Yet, people are willing to pay and the shops willing to sell as long as they are mutually available.

The Royal Government of Bhutan has taken every possible measure to curb the problem. A headline at Bhutan Broadcasting Service website reads,

Tobacco products worth Nu. 60,000 seized

February 2: In Thimphu, officials from the Department of Trade and other agencies including the Royal Bhutan Police seized tobacco products worth Nu. 60, 000 from a shop in the old vegetable market area yesterday.

The raid was conducted by the sub-committee for tobacco control. Officials said that the raid was conducted in areas in the capital city after a tip off.

The Director of Trade, Dophu Tsering said that the shop raided yesterday supplies tobacco products to other shops in and around the capital.

The Department of Trade has cancelled 34 Micro Trade license since sale of tobacco was banned in 2004. 11 were canceled in Thimphu alone this January.