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BHUTAN, INDIA, November 15, 2004: Jigme Thinley, Bhutanese minister, says, “We want no pollution and good health for our citizens.” The news release explains that his remote Himalayan kingdom has decided to ban all tobacco products and that shops, hotels, restaurants, and bars selling products have been ordered to dispose of existing stocks before December 17t. So far 18 of the kingdom’s 20 districts have complied with the ban. The trade and industry minister for Bhutan warns that the penalties for selling tobacco will be severe. An individual could face a $210 fine and shopkeepers would lose their business license. Any imported tobacco for personal use will be taxed 100% when it enters the country. Karma Tshering from Bhutanese Customs says, “If any foreigner is caught selling tobacco products to Bhutanese nationals, he will be charged with smuggling. Tobacco will be treated as contraband.” However, the news release says that the tobacco ban will not apply to foreign tourists, diplomats or those working for NGOs.

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