THIMPHU, BHUTAN - The Himalayan kingdom Bhutan is attempting to pass legislation that makes it illegal to buy or sell cigarettes anywhere in the country, The Hindu reports.

Earlier this month, Bhutan's national assembly passed the Tobacco Control Bill 2009, the first step in the government??s plans to implement nationwide controls on tobacco and tobacco products.

In 2004, Bhutan's national assembly passed a law banning the sale of tobacco, though it remained largely ineffective, resulting in a spike in black market cigarette sales. As a result, the government lifted the ban on tobacco last year.

However, Bhutan Health Minister Lyonpo Zangley Dukpa said the new bill would counter the limitations of the 2004 ban.

"The new bill was thoroughly deliberated among health professionals before it was brought to parliament. The bill was for over two and a half years in the making and was discussed three times in the national assembly. When it came up before the joint sitting of parliament, it was adopted with 61 votes for the bill and four votes against it," Dukpa said.

The new bill provides for three to five years of imprisonment for violators. Citizens would be prohibited from selling and buying tobacco products anywhere within the country, though under a special permit, they would be allowed to import cigarettes for their own use.

Lawmakers are not all in agreement that a tobacco ban will work and that the government would be able to effectively implement the ban. During a debate on the bill, Leader of Opposition Tshering Tobgay said: "The new bill is confusing because it allows the consumption of tobacco but restricts the sale of tobacco. And the penalty is too severe for the offense."