The other
night, I viewed a program on our national channel and the title translated
loosely would read, “In-house Talk”. It aired some youth who were the push-out(s)
of rehab centre. Even those recovered lots insist on having an in house rule
for the sale of alcohol in our town and cities.
The program circum-navigated
around alcohol!
Firstly, our
bars and hotels boldly inscribe, “NO ALCOHOL BELOW 18 YEARS”. Let’s say that this rule although in place,
has minimal enforcement. This social ill will remain as long as the Bhutanese
mindset remains what is generally perceived- “As long as I get the money, who
cares about age?” If alcohol has become a social ill, why a host of breweries
are allowed to operate? Does it mean government should blame the consumers of
alcohol? Or our government has no say on the three major breweries operating in
the three major-border towns? Or does it generate revenue for the government at
the cost of its citizen’s health and well being? Ours is a miniature society
that seeks happiness for all citizens and if alcohol is abundant, may be the
happiness thing is out of bound.
Secondly, my
nature of work left me for four years in a remote village. The warning,
otherwise seen in bars and hotels doesn’t apply in the rural villages. It’s
because people begin drinking even before they reach their teen age. There are
a host of reasons why people resort to drinking in rural villages. And for the
urban dwellers, may be you know why people drink? If our country seeks the
youth to be productive and responsible citizens of tomorrow, then close down
all breweries. How many of our people prefer Ara over beer and Bangchang over
whiskey? A very negligible lot! Perhaps, this is a million Ngultrums
question? This is the highlight because,
it talked of Ara. Ara these days is the drink of the country bumpkins I guess.
Townspeople rejoice in hard drinks and beers.
Thirdly, the
program highlighted on the economic impact and deaths by alcohol far exceeding
by other causes. This is costing our government exchequer dearly. In
financially difficult times, it is important that spending is curtailed. And
the Bhutanese I know spend on alcohol than any other things. If alcohol in not
available, where is the need to spend? None! On the other hand, I know there
will be a thriving black market but is doing something good worth the effort?
If it’s good then I grudgingly believe it’s worth doing it twice. Alcohol free
Bhutan will remain a distant dream if production (Local or commercial) is rampant.
There is no way that people can be held responsible for consuming alcohol if
production houses operate with no government intervention.
Food for
thought: Alcohol doesn’t answer all questions but it certainly helps forget the
question.
Good day
folks!