Smoking & Drinking in Bhutan

In Bhutan, smoking and drinking are regulated by the government, reflecting the country’s focus on promoting health and well-being, as well as preserving its cultural values. Bhutan’s approach to smoking is particularly strict, as it became the first country in the world to ban the sale of tobacco products. Here’s an overview of the rules and norms regarding smoking and drinking in Bhutan:

Smoking in Bhutan

1. Tobacco and Smoking Laws

• Sale of Tobacco: Bhutan banned the sale of tobacco products nationwide in 2004. This includes cigarettes, cigars, and other forms of tobacco. Tobacco cannot be legally sold in shops, hotels, or any other outlets.
• Importing Tobacco: Tourists and Bhutanese nationals are allowed to bring limited quantities of tobacco for personal use, but they must pay high import duties. As of the last updates:
  • Tourists can bring in 200 cigarettes or 150 grams of tobacco.
  • An import duty of 200% is imposed on tobacco products brought into the country.
  • Tobacco products brought in for personal use must be declared at customs upon arrival.
• Smoking in Public: Smoking is prohibited in public places, such as restaurants, bars, government buildings, and public transportation. Designated smoking areas are available in some places, particularly in larger towns and cities like Thimphu and Paro.
• Enforcement: Violators caught selling or smuggling tobacco face heavy fines and even imprisonment in severe cases.

2. Where You Can Smoke

• Private Spaces: You can smoke in private areas, such as hotel rooms (if permitted by the hotel) and other private spaces.
• Designated Smoking Areas: In some public places, you may find designated smoking areas where it is permissible to smoke.

3. Cultural and Social Norms

Bhutan has a strong focus on Gross National Happiness (GNH), and public health is seen as an important aspect of this philosophy. Smoking is generally discouraged in Bhutanese society, and many Bhutanese citizens avoid smoking out of respect for cultural values and religious practices.

Drinking in Bhutan

1. Alcohol Consumption Laws

• Legal Drinking Age: The legal drinking age in Bhutan is 18 years. Selling alcohol to minors is illegal.
• Alcohol Sale: Alcohol is widely available in Bhutan, and it is not banned like tobacco. You can purchase alcohol in restaurants, bars, hotels, and licensed liquor stores.
• Hours of Sale: There are restrictions on the sale of alcohol during certain hours and on specific days:
  • Alcohol cannot be sold after 10 PM.
  • Tuesday is officially designated as a “dry day,” and the sale of alcohol is prohibited on this day in most places.

2. Types of Alcohol

• Locally Produced Alcohol: Bhutan produces its own traditional alcoholic beverages, which are popular with locals and tourists alike:
  • Ara: A traditional spirit made from rice, maize, or barley. Ara is often homemade and consumed during religious ceremonies and festivals.
  • Bangchang and Sinchang: Traditional fermented drinks, often consumed warm and made from grains like millet, barley, or wheat.
• Imported Alcohol: Bhutan also imports a variety of alcohol, including beer, wine, and spirits. Indian whisky brands are particularly popular.

3. Drinking in Public

• Public Spaces: Drinking alcohol in public places like parks and streets is generally frowned upon, though it’s not strictly prohibited in all areas. It is more socially acceptable to drink in bars, restaurants, and private gatherings.
• Cultural Etiquette: Excessive public drinking or drunken behavior is discouraged. In more rural or religious areas, it is particularly important to be mindful of cultural sensitivities regarding alcohol consumption.

4. Alcohol and Festivals

• Religious Sensitivity: While alcohol consumption is part of some local customs and gatherings, it is important to be respectful during religious festivals or near sacred sites. During religious or spiritual events, drinking alcohol is considered inappropriate.

Public Health and Alcohol Awareness

Bhutan has been dealing with some public health concerns related to alcohol consumption. The government has initiated awareness campaigns to curb alcohol abuse and encourage responsible drinking, as alcohol-related health problems have been identified as a significant issue in the country. Taxes on alcohol sales are also relatively high to discourage overconsumption.

Summary

• Smoking: Heavily regulated, with a ban on the sale of tobacco products and high taxes on imports. Smoking is allowed in private areas but is banned in public spaces.
• Drinking: Alcohol is widely available, but the legal drinking age is 18, and there are restrictions on the sale of alcohol after 10 PM and on Tuesdays. Traditional drinks like Ara are popular, but drinking in public spaces should be done respectfully.

When in Bhutan, it’s important to respect these regulations and be mindful of local customs and values, particularly in regard to public health and religious traditions.