The West Bengal government has introduced a bill to amend the Bengal Excise Act, 1909, seeking to remove longstanding provisions that prohibit women from working in establishments where liquor is consumed on the premises, commonly known as ‘ON’ shops.
Under the existing Bengal Excise Act, 1909, there are restrictions that prevent women from being employed in licensed establishments where alcohol is served for on-site consumption. These provisions have been criticized for being discriminatory and outdated, limiting employment opportunities for women in the hospitality industry.
The bill presented by Minister Chandrima Bhattacharya proposes to eliminate the clauses that restrict women’s employment in ‘ON’ shops. Minister Bhattacharya described the current prohibitions as “discriminatory,” explaining the need to align state laws with contemporary views on gender equality.
This legislative initiative aligns with the Supreme Court‘s ruling in Anuj Garg & Ors v. Hotel Association of India & Ors (2007) 1 SCC 491, where the Court held that excluding women from employment in bars based solely on gender violates constitutional protections against discrimination. The Court emphasized that such restrictions reinforce gender stereotypes and are incompatible with the principles of equality enshrined in the Constitution.
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Beyond addressing employment discrimination, the proposed amendments aim to strengthen regulatory measures within the state’s excise framework:
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