West Bengal allows women to work in bars

The West Bengal Assembly has passed a Bill allowing women to work in bars. This decision was made on March 19, 2025, during a session where the West Bengal Finance Bill, 2025 was introduced. The Bill aims to change the Bengal Excise Act of 1909. It will lift the ban on women working in "On" category liquor shops, where drinks can be consumed on-site. Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya stated that the current prohibition is discriminatory. In addition to this change, the Bill includes measures for the state government to oversee the supply of raw materials like jaggery. This is intended to prevent illegal brewing of liquor. The Bill also proposes tax relief for the tea industry, particularly for small tea gardens that have struggled since the pandemic. According to the Assembly, implementing this Bill will not have any financial impact.