No permit, just an ID: Gujarat relaxes liquor rules at GIFT City

Ahmedabad: In a significant relaxation of its strict prohibition laws, the Gujarat government has further eased liquor consumption rules at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), doing away with the need for permits for visitors from outside the state and foreign nationals.

Under the revised norms, anyone who is not a resident of Gujarat or is a foreign national can now consume alcohol at designated hotels and restaurants within GIFT City by simply producing a valid photo identity card. The earlier requirement of obtaining a temporary liquor permit has been scrapped.

The changes were notified by the state home department through a gazette notification issued on December 20. The move builds on the exemption granted to GIFT City in 2023, when the state allowed the sale and consumption of liquor within the business district under specific conditions, despite Gujarat being a dry state where alcohol is otherwise prohibited.

The latest notification also expands the spaces where alcohol can be served and consumed. While earlier drinking was restricted to designated ‘wine and dine’ sections of licensed hotels and restaurants, it will now be allowed in other areas as well, including lawns, poolside spaces and terraces.

In another relaxation, diners who are not consuming alcohol will also be permitted to sit in the wine and dine areas of restaurants.

The notification further states that employees working in GIFT City who hold a Liquor Access Permit can host up to 25 guests at a time at approved venues. Such visitors will be issued temporary permits, provided they are accompanied by the host employee.

The move is seen as part of the state’s effort to make GIFT City more attractive as a global financial and business hub.

(with inputs from agencies)