GUWAHATI: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) government in West Bengal has introduced legislation to remove a 116-year-old restriction that barred women from working in liquor-serving establishments.
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The amendment to the Bengal Excise Act, of 1909, was passed by the state assembly on Wednesday, aiming to eliminate what officials called a discriminatory provision.
Presenting the West Bengal Finance Bill 2025, Minister of State for Finance Chandrima Bhattacharya emphasized that the decision was driven by the principle of gender equality. "Women have been unable to work in on-shop liquor outlets until now. This change will grant them that opportunity," she stated.
The ban, originally imposed by the British when Kolkata was India’s capital, will officially be lifted once the governor approves the Bill. The legislation passed without opposition, as Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) lawmakers had boycotted the budget session over political disputes.
The Bill also includes measures to monitor raw material trading in the liquor industry to curb illegal alcohol production. Additionally, it proposes tax relief for the tea industry through amendments to the Agricultural Income-Tax Act, of 1944.
The decision has sparked mixed reactions. Supporters argue that allowing women to work in bars aligns with modern workplace rights. "Many of our guests are women, and they will feel more comfortable with female staff. However, bars along highways, which mostly cater to male customers, could face challenges," noted a bar manager in Kolkata.
Women’s rights activist Saswati Ghosh expressed concerns, stating that while gender inequality exists in many unorganised industries, the government should focus on broader employment opportunities rather than allowing bar owners to use female staff to boost business.
Opposition leaders questioned whether the government could ensure women’s safety in such workplaces. BJP leader Shankar Ghosh asked, "Will the TMC government guarantee security for women working in bars, especially at night?"
Communist Party of India (Marxist) leader Sujan Chakraborty criticized the move, referencing past crimes against women in the state. "After recent incidents, the TMC promised stronger workplace protections for women. This decision contradicts that stance," he said, citing the rape and murder of a 31-year-old trainee doctor at Kolkata’s RG Kar Medical College.