Free Republic

A COURT has lifted another lifestyle taboo in India by allowing women to serve liquor in bars. The Delhi High Court yesterday ruled that section 30 of the Punjab Excise Act 1914, that prevented women from working in bars, was outdated. "It is undeniable that women have excelled in the hospitality industry not only in this country but worldwide and the feminine touch indeed lends grace and elegance to the industry," said the judgement given by divisional bench justices Mukul Mugdal and H.R. Malhotra. Counsel Arun Jaitley, representing the Hotel Association of India, pleaded that the ban was unconstitutional as...

Barmaids protest as EU plans cover-up in the beer gardensBy Kate Connolly(Filed: 03/08/2005)Bavarians are hot under the collar over an EU directive that will force their barmaids to cover up, supposedly to protect them from the sun.Brewery owners, politicians and most of the women themselves have condemned the legislation as absurd, claiming the "tan ban", as it has been nicknamed, will destroy a centuries-old tradition.   A barmaid in dirndl at last year's Oktoberfest Bavarian barmaids typically dress in a costume known as a "dirndl", a dress and apron with a tight, low-cut top whose figure-hugging effect is enhanced...