Kolkata- The West Bengal Assembly on Wednesday passed the West Bengal Finance Bill, 2025, paving the way for women to work in bars by amending the Bengal Excise Act, 1909.
The amendment removes the prohibition on employing women in “On” category liquor shops — establishments where alcohol consumption is permitted on the premises. Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya, who tabled the Bill, emphasized the state government’s commitment to gender equality.
“The state does not believe in discrimination between men and women,” Bhattacharya said during the Bill’s discussion.
In addition to gender inclusivity, the Bill empowers the state to monitor the supply of raw materials like jaggery to curb illegal liquor brewing. It also amends the Bengal Agricultural Income-tax Act, 1944, providing tax relief to the tea industry, particularly smaller tea gardens affected by the pandemic.
“There is no financial implication involved in giving effect to the provisions of the Bill,” the document stated.
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