January 24, 2005

Non-smoking nation

This is interesting - the nation of Bhutan has banned the public use and sale of tobacco. Slate has the story: bq. The First Nonsmoking Nation If you're indignant that your boss just shut the smoking room and outraged that you have to leave the bar to light up, take heart. Life could be worse. You could be Bhutanese. bq. The tiny, trendy Himalayan kingdom recently became the world's first nonsmoking nation. Since Dec. 17, it has been illegal to smoke in public or sell tobacco. Violators are fined the equivalent of $232—more than two months' salary in Bhutan. Authorities heralded the ban by igniting a bonfire of cigarette cartons in the capital, Thimphu, and stringing banners across the main thoroughfare, exhorting people to kick the habit. As if they have a choice. Interesting article - there are some loopholes, people can import tobacco for their personal use (although the customs duty and sales tax are high) and foreigners are exempt. Posted by DaveH at January 24, 2005 4:20 PM