Kolkata | 7 June 2026: The Society for the Welfare of West Bengal Foreign Licenses today organized a press meet through which it conveyed a series of recommendations to the Government of West Bengal, calling for policy reforms aimed at strengthening the sector, improving ease of business, and ensuring a more sustainable operating environment for licensed Foreign Liquor (FL) shops across the state. Representing more than 1,000 licensed FL shops across West Bengal, the Society urged the government to address long-standing industry concerns, including trade margin rationalization, stronger action against illicit liquor, decentralization of licensing processes, and greater policy transparency.
The event was attended by Shri Santanu Kar, former Superintendent of Police, CBI; Shri Shankudeb Panda, eminent public figure; & Shri D.S. Nepal, Representative, Nepal Tourism Board, as chief guests. They interacted with members of the association and emphasized the importance of stakeholder consultation and constructive dialogue in addressing challenges faced by regulated businesses and strengthening governance frameworks. Addressing the media, representatives of the society highlighted the significant contribution made by licensed FL shops to state revenues and employment generation, while pointing to some operational and policy-related challenges that continue to impact the sector.
The association called upon the government of West Bengal to consider reforms in the following areas:
* Rationalization of trade margins in line with increasing operational, compliance, and business costs.
* Stronger enforcement measures to curb the manufacture, distribution, and sale of illicit liquor and protect consumers as well as licensed businesses.
* Decentralization and streamlining of licensing and administrative processes to improve efficiency and reduce procedural delays.
* Review of fees, levies, and charges affecting the viability of licensed FL shops.
* Simplification of regulatory procedures and reduction of administrative bottlenecks.
* Greater transparency and consistency in the implementation of excise policies.
* Protection of the legitimate interests of licensed FL license holders operating in accordance with applicable laws and regulations.
Speaking on the occasion, Mr. Bijon Patra, secretary, Society for the Welfare of West Bengal Foreign Liquor Licenses, said the following:
“The licensed foreign liquor trade is an important stakeholder in West Bengal’s economy and revenue ecosystem. We believe there is significant scope for policy reforms that can benefit consumers, strengthen compliance, improve business sustainability, and enhance government revenues. Through this platform, we seek constructive engagement with the government to address long-standing industry concerns and build a more transparent and growth-oriented business environment.” The Society reiterated its commitment to responsible trade practices and expressed its willingness to work closely with the government, the excise department, and other stakeholders to develop practical solutions that support both regulatory objectives and business growth.
About the Society for the Welfare of West Bengal Foreign Liquor Licenses
Established in 2003, the Society for the Welfare of West Bengal Foreign Liquor Licenses is one of the leading representative bodies of licensed Foreign Liquor (FL) shop owners in West Bengal. With a membership base of more than 1,000 FL license holders across the state, the Society has been working for over two decades to safeguard the interests of license holders, promote responsible and compliant trade practices, and facilitate constructive engagement between industry stakeholders and government authorities. Representing licensed FL shops across urban and rural West Bengal, the Society actively engages on policy matters affecting the sector and advocates for a transparent, sustainable, and growth-oriented business environment while supporting the state’s regulatory and revenue objectives.
