The Gujarat prohibition department is taking steps to eradicate the use of agents who act as intermediaries between the applicants and the authorities. This will streamline the process of issuing liquor permits and eliminate fraudulent practices.
The new system will involve calling permit seekers directly two to three times to confirm their identity and schedule in-person meetings at the prohibition office. This eliminates the need for intermediaries, potentially saving applicants’ money and ensuring the validity of their requests.
The move comes after 73 applications in Ahmedabad were discovered with forged signatures, allegedly by agents, in November 2023.
Previously, acquiring a health liquor permit involved a lengthy process, including a medical evaluation, which created an opportunity for agents to exploit the system. These agents would charge hefty fees for their “services,” often resulting in forged signatures and fraudulent applications. The department has already implemented this new system in Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot, with plans for gradual expansion across the state. Additionally, individuals seeking permit renewals will also be required to attend an in-person interview.
Gujarat has a significant number of health liquor permits issued, with Ahmedabad leading the state at 13,456, followed by Surat (9,238), Vadodara (2,743), Rajkot (4,502), Jamnagar (2,039), and Gandhinagar (1,851).
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