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The West Bengal State Assembly passed a bill on Wednesday permitting women to work in bars. Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya tabled the West Bengal Finance Bill, 2025 in the assembly.
The Bill proposes amendments to the Bengal Excise Act, 1909, including the removal of the prohibition on employing women in ON-category liquor shops which are shops where consumption of liquor is allowed on the premises.
As per report, Bhattacharya stated that the State government does not support gender-based discrimination. She highlighted that the Bill also empowers the State to regulate the supply of raw materials like jaggery to curb illegal liquor production.
The bill also proposes amendments to the Bengal Agricultural Income-tax Act, 1944, offering tax relief to the tea industry, especially smaller tea gardens that have struggled since the COVID-19 pandemic.
Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya, while concluding discussions on the bill, emphasized the state government's stance against gender-based discrimination, advocating for equal opportunities for both men and women.
Additionally, the bill empowers the state government to regulate the supply of raw materials, such as jaggery, to curb the production of illegal liquor.
It further clarifies that the implementation of the bill's provisions will not have any financial implications.
