𝐀𝐥𝐜𝐨𝐡𝐨𝐥 𝐄𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐠𝐞𝐬 𝐚𝐬 𝐌𝐚𝐣𝐨𝐫 𝐒𝐨𝐜𝐢𝐚𝐥 𝐚𝐧𝐝 𝐇𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐭𝐡 𝐂𝐨𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐧 𝐢𝐧 𝐁𝐡𝐮𝐭𝐚𝐧

…𝒂𝒍𝒄𝒐𝒉𝒐𝒍 𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒔𝒖𝒎𝒑𝒕𝒊𝒐𝒏 𝒊𝒏𝒄𝒓𝒆𝒂𝒔𝒊𝒏𝒈𝒍𝒚 𝒂𝒇𝒇𝒆𝒄𝒕𝒔 𝒇𝒂𝒎𝒊𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒔, 𝒑𝒖𝒃𝒍𝒊𝒄 𝒉𝒆𝒂𝒍𝒕𝒉, 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒕𝒉𝒆 𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒐𝒎𝒚

By Sonam Choden

Alcohol is no longer simply a cultural element of Bhutanese gatherings; it has become one of the country’s pressing social problems, affecting families, claiming lives, and imposing economic burdens. According to the Royal Bhutan Police (RBP), between 2020 and 2024, Bhutan recorded 1,527 cases of domestic violence directly linked to alcohol. These figures are not abstract; they represent broken homes, children growing up in fear, and women disproportionately bearing the brunt of abuse.

The impact of alcohol extends beyond the household. RBP records show that in the past five years, 26 people lost their lives in alcohol-related motor vehicle accidents. Each case reflects a tragedy that could have been prevented- a life cut short, a family in mourning, and a disrupted community.

Public health data also shows the burden of alcohol on the healthcare system. According to the Bhutan Health Bulletin 2025, between 2020 and 2024, 580 cases of alcoholic liver disease and 326 cases of mental and behavioral disorders due to alcohol were reported across Primary Health Centres, Traditional Health Centres, and Health Sub-Posts. These figures highlight the persistent effects of alcohol on both physical and mental health and underline the need for stronger interventions.

Alcohol has deep cultural roots in Bhutan, embedded in rituals, festivals, and everyday social interactions. Yet culture cannot justify the crisis. Continued normalization of alcohol in daily life contributes to abuse, accidents, and deaths. “As long as alcohol is offered at every gathering, people feel pressured to drink even when they don’t want to,” said Lungten Norbu from Pemagatshel. A collective shift in attitude is important, where refusing alcohol is recognized not as disrespect but as a responsible choice. “I often feel pressured to drink at gatherings, but I have learned it’s okay to say no,” said Kezang Deki. “True respect comes from understanding my choice, not forcing me to drink,” she said.

The National Policy and Strategic Framework (2015–2020) was Bhutan’s first systematic attempt to address alcohol-related harm. Although the policy was adopted by the Cabinet in 2016, political changes following the 2018 elections brought a more liberal approach to alcohol regulation, weakening continuity and disrupting implementation. The absence of robust enforcement mechanisms further undermined its effectiveness. The persistence of alcohol-related health, social, and economic burdens highlights the urgent need for a renewed and comprehensive policy framework.

“The key lesson from the shortcomings of the 2015–2020 framework is that policy directives alone are not enough without strong monitoring and enforcement,” said Dr. Tek Bahadur Rai, Chairperson of the Women, Children and Youth Committee. The Healthy Drukyul Initiative (2023–2025) represents a more holistic approach, but its long-term success requires institutional accountability, dedicated resources, and political commitment that can withstand changes in government. “To avoid reliance on fragile executive directives, we are now advocating for an Alcohol Act. A legislative framework will provide a durable legal foundation for regulation, enforcement, and effective inter-agency coordination,” he added.

Balancing public health priorities with economic considerations remains a challenge. While alcohol sales generate revenue and support private businesses, social and health costs outweigh these benefits. Consultations with the Ministry of Industry, Commerce, and Employment have highlighted concerns about potential impacts on the private sector if stricter regulations are enforced. In response, the Committee has proposed active engagement with business stakeholders to incorporate their perspectives into policymaking while ensuring public health remains the priority.

As part of the new approach, the Committee is considering stricter legal restrictions, including a reduction in bar licenses and limitations on hours of sale. Such measures align with international best practices and have proven effective elsewhere. However, their success in Bhutan depends on robust enforcement, an area where previous frameworks fell short.

“The failure of earlier alcohol control measures can largely be traced to poor enforcement and inadequate monitoring,” Dr. Rai said. Moving forward, the Committee intends to adopt a multi-pronged strategy combining regulation, enforcement, and advocacy. This includes coordinated action across relevant agencies, systematic evaluation of outcomes, and sustained public education campaigns.

Given the substantial social, health, and economic costs of harmful alcohol use- including domestic violence, crime, rising healthcare expenditures, and 580 cases of alcoholic liver disease and 326 cases of mental and behavioral disorders- the Committee asserts that strict regulation and continuous advocacy are essential. Only through a comprehensive, enforceable, and multi-sectorial framework can Bhutan reduce alcohol-related harms and protect the wellbeing of its people.

Alcohol has shifted from a cultural tradition to a source of social and health harm, affecting families, causing preventable deaths, and raising medical costs. Past measures have been insufficient, but with stronger laws, effective enforcement, and changes in social attitudes, Bhutan can address the issue and safeguard the wellbeing of its citizens.