A Foreign Liquor Trade Association Requests Important Policy Changes From the West Bengal Government

News Desk, News Nation 360: Today, the Society for the Welfare of West Bengal Foreign Liquor Licences held a press conference to present the Government of West Bengal with a comprehensive set of policy recommendations. They advocated for structural reforms to enhance the ease of doing business and establish a sustainable operating environment for licensed Foreign Liquor (FL) shops throughout the state. The Society, which represents over 1,000 licensed FL retailers in both urban and rural West Bengal, called on the state administration to remove long-standing operational obstacles. In particular, it called for decentralised administrative and licensing workflows, a review of current levies, increased transparency in the implementation of excise policies, trade margin rationalisation to counter rising compliance costs, and increased enforcement measures to curb illicit liquor distribution. Notable Chief Guests, such as Shri Santanu Kar (former CBI Superintendent of Police), Shri Shankudeb Panda (a prominent public figure), and Shri D.S. Nepal (a representative of the Nepal Tourism Board), were welcomed to the high-profile media brief. They all stressed the importance of positive stakeholder dialogue to strengthen regulated governance frameworks. Bijon Patra, Secretary of the Society, emphasised that licensed retailers are important sources of state revenue and jobs, and that progressive policy changes would protect consumer interests, improve regulatory compliance, and maximise government revenue. Since its founding in 2003, the Society has operated as a leading representative organisation for more than 20 years, striking a balance between industry-wide lobbying and a steadfast dedication to ethical, law-abiding business practices.

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