The West Bengal Assembly has passed the West Bengal Finance Bill 2025, bringing key amendments to the Bengal Excise Act, 1909. Among the most notable changes is the removal of the prohibition on women working in bars, a move aimed at eliminating discriminatory employment policies.
The bill, tabled by Minister of State Chandrima Bhattacharya, was passed on Wednesday, modernizing the Bengal Excise Act to align with contemporary legal frameworks and regulatory updates in the state’s excise sector.
Key Amendments in the Finance Bill 2025
1. Women Allowed to Work in Bars
The prohibition on women working in ON-category liquor shops has been officially removed. The bill justifies this move, stating that such restrictions were discriminatory and outdated.
2. Updates in Legal References
With India replacing its legal codes, references to the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) have been updated to align with the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS).
3. Strict Regulation of Molasses
To curb its use in illicit liquor production, molasses has been included in the definition of excise-regulated materials. The bill ensures that the Bengal Excise Act, 1909 and the West Bengal Molasses Control Act, 1973, work complementarily to prevent overlapping jurisdiction.
4. Penalizing Excess Wastage of Spirit
A new charging provision introduces penalties on excessive wastage of spirit in distilleries and warehouses as a regulatory measure.
5. Temporary Liquor Licences Extended
Temporary liquor licences will now be extended to ensure that establishments continue operating until permanent settlements are finalized, benefiting state revenue.
6. Streamlining Confiscation Procedures
The bill formalizes statutory procedures for the confiscation of seized excise-related items, aiming to simplify enforcement.
7. Sanction Requirement for Excise Officers
Excise officers will now require prior sanction from the state government for all duties, strengthening accountability and oversight.
8. Administrative Changes in Excise Department
The bill renames the title “Additional Excise Commissioner” to “Special Excise Commissioner”, reflecting an upgrade in responsibilities.
Previous Amendments in 2024
In 2024, the Bengal Excise Act had been strengthened to:
✅ Enhance enforcement mechanisms
✅ Classify offences based on the quantity involved
✅ Increase departmental penalties
Conclusion
With these amendments, West Bengal’s excise laws are set to become more progressive and structured, ensuring gender equality in employment, stricter control over illicit liquor production, and improved regulatory efficiency.