Bhutan was known as the Last Shangrila in the past and today she is predominantly known to the rest of the world as the Land of Gross National Happiness. Culture and traditions are intricate parts of the GNH and more so as one of the pillars of GNH. Marchang is among
all the culture the most important part of living culture to show to the outside world. And alcohol is thus, an important part of culture in the Bhutanese Society for centuries. Today, Bhutan is challenged by the very culture, putting the pressure on the government and the policy makers to rethink on this culture.
Alcohol is served in almost all functions and festivals and adds more taste to these events. In fact no other items or Bhutanese menu can replace alcohol. On the other hand alcohol has also been responsible for many crimes including murder, rape and battery. it is also responsible for many deaths in the hospitals across the country incurring huge financial loss on the primary health care system in the country. Last year alone, more than…. people died of alcohol related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and other lifestyle diseases. The reports from media and other relevant sources reveal that over … percent of the juvenile crimes and drug abuse started under the influence of alcohol. It also seen that the matrimonial cases in court overtook all other cases and majority of the cases are known to have been caused due to consumption of alcohol.
Considering all these facts, recently media reported that Department of Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs suspended the issuance of bar license till the National Strategy for Alcohol consumption is drawn. Yet, today there are reports that there are over 700 licensed bars in the capital alone. And it is further added by other restaurants and general shops selling alcohol without licenses.
preparing such a document is not an easy way but it is definitely going to be a daunting and challenging job whoever draws such strategy.
The issue is really complex when it comes to ground reality. The culture baggage it carries, the importance of being food item in almost all the Bhutanese meals, the quota or subsidized rate of these items for many Bhutanese including the armed forces, some senior civil servants and others who are residents of Bhutan entitled for such entitlements.
all the culture the most important part of living culture to show to the outside world. And alcohol is thus, an important part of culture in the Bhutanese Society for centuries. Today, Bhutan is challenged by the very culture, putting the pressure on the government and the policy makers to rethink on this culture.
Alcohol is served in almost all functions and festivals and adds more taste to these events. In fact no other items or Bhutanese menu can replace alcohol. On the other hand alcohol has also been responsible for many crimes including murder, rape and battery. it is also responsible for many deaths in the hospitals across the country incurring huge financial loss on the primary health care system in the country. Last year alone, more than…. people died of alcohol related diseases such as liver cirrhosis and other lifestyle diseases. The reports from media and other relevant sources reveal that over … percent of the juvenile crimes and drug abuse started under the influence of alcohol. It also seen that the matrimonial cases in court overtook all other cases and majority of the cases are known to have been caused due to consumption of alcohol.
Considering all these facts, recently media reported that Department of Trade, Ministry of Economic Affairs suspended the issuance of bar license till the National Strategy for Alcohol consumption is drawn. Yet, today there are reports that there are over 700 licensed bars in the capital alone. And it is further added by other restaurants and general shops selling alcohol without licenses.
preparing such a document is not an easy way but it is definitely going to be a daunting and challenging job whoever draws such strategy.
The issue is really complex when it comes to ground reality. The culture baggage it carries, the importance of being food item in almost all the Bhutanese meals, the quota or subsidized rate of these items for many Bhutanese including the armed forces, some senior civil servants and others who are residents of Bhutan entitled for such entitlements.
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