Bhutan says tobacco ban must end

Bhutan’s Upper House resolved that the country’s ban on the import of tobacco must end. In a majority resolution on February 3 the house said the ban on import and sale of tobacco products must end to control the black market, reports the Bhutan News Network.

Bhutan had gained fame for being the first country to completely ban on manufacturing, import and sale of any tobacco products. However, the government also received harsh criticism for sending a monk behind bar for years on charge of carrying tobacco products.

After public outcry over the harshness of the law, the first elected parliament of the country showed some leniency towards tobacco consumers. Many send to jail for selling tobacco were subsequently released on king’s order.

The country recently lifted its ban on the import of furniture and alcohol.

Now, the National Council comes with proposal that the tobacco import ban must end, though the resolution says the ban must continue on production of tobacco products within the country.

The resolution should pass through the National Assembly before it becomes the law.