Tobacco.org

• Ban fires Bhutan smokers 

OUTLAWING the sale of cigarettes, banning smoking in public places and slapping up to 200 per cent tax on cigarettes imported for personal consumption may be the key to cracking public health's top problem.

Bhutan, a country known for its remote beauty and Buddist traditions, has found that this strict approach has prompted half of smokers, in at least one survey, to quit.

The move isn't without detractors though. The young urban middle classes are openly flouting the ban on smoking in public places and Indian cigarette manufacturers are none too pleased at the detrimental effect the measures are having on trade.

Perhaps inevitably, a black market in cigarettes is flourishing in Bhutan

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