National smoking ban

Bhutan to stub out tobacco sales.  Excellent news!

The remote Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan has decided to ban all tobacco products from Wednesday, a government notification says. Shops, hotels, restaurants and bars selling tobacco products have been ordered to dispose of existing stocks before 17 December. The tobacco ban will not apply to foreign tourists, diplomats or those working for NGOs. Bhutan is thought to be the first country with a full tobacco sales ban. It is part of government efforts to make Bhutan a smoke-free nation. "We want no pollution and good health for our citizens," said Bhutanese minister, Jigme Thinley.