Kolkata: The West Bengal Assembly passed a bill on Wednesday allowing women to work in bars.
The West Bengal Finance Bill, 2025 was introduced by Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya. It amends the Bengal Excise Act, 1909, removing the ban on women working in “On” category liquor shops where alcohol is served.
Bhattacharya said the government believes in gender equality and does not support discrimination.
Other Key Provisions of the Bill
The state can now monitor the supply of raw materials like jaggery to curb illegal liquor production.
Amendments to the Bengal Agricultural Income-tax Act, 1944 will provide tax relief to smaller tea gardens, struggling since the pandemic.
The government clarified that the bill will have no financial impact on the state.
