Following formal endorsement by the Dzongkhag Tshogdu (DT) today, Haa Dzongkhag Administration is pleased to announce the official rollout of the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) on Smoking in Designated Areas Only and the strict control on the Sale and Serving of Alcohol to Minors. These measures mark a significant step forward in strengthening public health standards and promoting responsible social practices within the Dzongkhag. The SOP aims to address smoking in public places and sale and consumption of alcohol among minors, through coordinated awareness, monitoring, and enforcement efforts.
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Smoking in public places and the sale and serving of alcoholic beverages to minors is widely prevalent in the Dzongkhag. Although such practices are prohibited under existing laws, they have increasingly become normalized, leading to public nuisance and social concerns. As Haa Dzongkhag gears up with its branding as a distinctive travel destination, it is imperative to reinforce strong social foundations and uphold standards that reflect a healthy, responsible, and welcoming community.
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The SOP apply across the entire Dzongkhag and is a shared mandate and collective responsibility for all residents, businesses, institutions, and visitors.
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Implementation will begin immediately through a phased approach to ensure adequate awareness and preparedness:
๐ ๐๐๐ซ๐ฎ๐๐ซ๐ฒ ๐๐๐๐: Official notification and Dzongkhag-wide circulation of the SOP.
๐๐๐ซ๐๐ก ๐๐๐๐: Extensive advocacy and awareness programs.
๐๐ฉ๐ซ๐ข๐ฅ ๐๐๐๐: Active monitoring and strict enforcement.
๐๐๐๐๐ฆ๐๐๐ซ ๐๐๐๐: Publication of a progress report to assess outcomes and impact.
๐๐ญ๐ซ๐ข๐๐ญ ๐ฉ๐๐ง๐๐ฅ๐ญ๐ข๐๐ฌ ๐ฌ๐ก๐๐ฅ๐ฅ ๐๐ ๐ข๐ฆ๐ฉ๐จ๐ฌ๐๐ ๐จ๐ง ๐ฏ๐ข๐จ๐ฅ๐๐ญ๐จ๐ซ๐ฌ in accordance with the Penal Code of Bhutan 2004, Childcare and Protection Act of Bhutan 2011, Bhutan Tobacco Control Act 2010, Tobacco Control Rules and Regulations of Bhutan 2013 and Bhutan Tobacco Control Act (Amendment) 2021.
