If you ever thought Gujarat was all about dhokla and tight liquor rules, think again. GIFT City is now serving up a holiday treat that even Santa would approve of. In what feels like the perfect Christmas–New Year bonanza for employees and visitors, the Gujarat government has issued a notification easing prohibition norms in the state’s futuristic finance hub.
The notification makes it easier for non-resident visitors (whether from other states or foreign countries) to access liquor in GIFT City.
A key highlight of the notification issued is the formal inclusion of “external persons,” a national daily reported.
These visitors can now enjoy liquor simply by producing a valid photo ID, without needing a liquor access permit. It’s a marked shift from the tightly controlled relaxation framework first announced in December 2023.
The latest rules also make life simpler for permit holders hosting visitors. Employees with liquor access permits can now host up to 25 guests at a time, and diners without permits can freely enter wine-and-dine areas for food.
It’s reported that employees of GIFT City can now obtain a liquor access permit based solely on their ID cards by submitting Form A1.
The earlier employees were required to take authorisation or approval from company HR, but this is no longer needed, officials in the know revealed to the media outlet.
Now, an employee can get a permit and host up to 25 guests without extra approvals.
However, businesses will no longer be held responsible for an employee who leaves GIFT City without submitting his permit.
The relaxed rules also extend liquor service across hotel and restaurant premises—including lawns, poolside areas, terraces, and even private hotel rooms—provided the outlet holds an FL-III licence.
Previously, liquor service was permitted only within designated ‘wine and dine’ zones for employees with special permits.
Sanjay Kaul, Managing Director and Group CEO, GIFT City, said that the notification was a pragmatic step to support GIFT City’s role as an international financial and business district. He explained that it addresses the operational needs of global institutions and professionals within a clearly defined and regulated framework, aiming to enhance GIFT City’s competitiveness as a global financial centre.
Industry players noted that the move aligns with the state’s ambition to become a global financial nerve centre and host international sporting events, including the Commonwealth Games (CWG 2030) and the Olympics 2036.
Stakeholders said the relaxations would encourage leading domestic and international food and beverage brands to set up operations in GIFT City, and it is expected to help companies attract talent and meet the city’s target of 100,000 employees by 2030.
Somani also advocated a controlled relaxation of liquor laws across the state, saying that a calibrated, regulated expansion of liquor access beyond GIFT City would align Gujarat with international expectations and generate substantial revenue for the government. He noted that alcohol consumption is ultimately a lifestyle choice and that experience shows outright bans are no longer effective.
With the relaxed norms, a group permit structure is also available in GIFT City, allowing any company to organise an event and obtain a group permit for all guests, issued by authorised GIFT City officials.
The minimum drinking age remains 21, and all consumption continues to fall under the regulatory ambit of the Gujarat Prohibition Act.
Also Read: Controversy Hits Shilpa Shetty’s GIFT City Food Zone Tender https://www.vibesofindia.com/controversy-hits-shilpa-shettys-gift-city-food-zone-tender/
