How Women-Owned 'Aunty Bars' Of Mumbai Defied Prohibition In The 1950s

Between 1949 and 1972, the Bombay Prohibition Act criminalized the sale and consumption of alcohol in an effort to impose post-independence ideals of purity. Despite the ban, creative solutions emerged. Among these were the secret “Aunty Bars,” an underground network of speakeasies run by women that defied both prohibition laws and societal norms.

Prohibition in Post-Independence India

The Bombay Prohibition Act was introduced in 1949 to curb alcohol consumption, which was deemed a societal vice. During this era, being caught with alcohol could lead to arrest, leaving drinkers in search of other secret alternatives. While the prohibition aimed to enforce morality, it inadvertently gave rise to a thriving underground drinking culture, where innovation met necessity.

Aunty Bars: Speakeasies in Women’s Living Rooms

Amid these restrictions, Aunty Bars emerged as secret havens for drinkers. Operated by middle-aged women—often from Goan communities—these establishments functioned out of their homes. The women brewed local spirits such as feni or created moonshine for their patrons. Over time, they adapted to the growing demand by sourcing and smuggling alcohol through clever means, often bribing local authorities to avoid detection.

Unlike the glamorous speakeasies of 1920s America, Aunty Bars were straightforward. Patrons would sit in a modest room, enjoy their drink, and leave. These were not venues for partying but discreet spaces where taxi drivers, businessmen, and working-class men could unwind without fear of law.

The Invisible Women of Aunty Bars

Interestingly, while Aunty Bars were run by women, their clientele was predominantly male. The 1950s were marked by restrictive cultural norms for women in India. Although women had secured the right to vote by 1950, their participation in the urban workforce was minimal—just 12.5% in 1953. Social expectations relegated women to household roles, with little room for recreational activities like drinking.

For many women, particularly widows or single mothers, running an Aunty Bar was a means of financial independence. However, their ventures clashed with broader societal goals. Prohibition found strong support among Indian women, who hoped the ban would curb domestic violence fueled by drunken husbands. 

The Feminist Paradox of Aunty Bars

The legacy of Aunty Bars is both empowering and sobering. On one hand, these women demonstrated remarkable resilience by carving out economic opportunities in a male-dominated society. On the other, their efforts came at a cost, as they catered to a demand that many women collectively opposed. Aunty Bars represent an intersection of rebellion and compromise—a duality that defines much of women’s roles in patriarchal societies. These women challenged traditional gender norms by stepping into the public sphere as entrepreneurs, but their businesses also highlighted the societal pressures that forced them to cater to men’s desires.

A Legacy Beyond the Drinks

Aunty Bars is more than a quirky historical anecdote. They tell a story of resilience, and survival amid oppressive social and legal systems. As we reflect on the prohibition era, these secret speakeasies remind us of the many hidden stories of women who strived to secure their independence. By remembering Aunty Bars, we acknowledge the untold stories of women who, in their quiet defiance, shaped the socio-economic fabric of their time.