Jump to full article: Kuensel Online (bt), 2006-09-02
Author: Nima Wangdi in Bumthang
Intro: “Welcome to a tobacco free dzongkhag”- that was the first sign that would greet people coming to Bumthang not long ago.
The dzongkhag was commended for being the first to impose a ban on the sale of tobacco. It even won an award of recognition from the World Health Organisation (WHO) for its efforts.
But today, after a nationwide ban was imposed on December 17,2004, finding a place to buy a packet of cigarette or a packet of baba (chewing tobacco) in Bumthang is difficult, only if you are a stranger.
“If you are new in the town, you won’t find any,” said a town resident. “They sell only to people they know.”
Tobacco is available, the only change is the price.
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