Gujarat relaxes prohibition partially

Gandhinagar, Dec 30 (UNI) The Gujarat Government has decided to partially relax its prohibition policy at national and international conventions and business meets and also inside Special Economic Zones (SEZs) in the state.

The state Home Department has issued two separate orders, one allowing the persons residing in the area of SEZ to have Liquor Cards, and the other permitting organisers of national or international conventions, conferences, business and academic meets to apply for group permit to serve liquor to paricipants of these meets.

The department has, however, in its order laid down some conditions for persons residing in SEZ area and desiring to obtain a liquor card. The card holder shall purchase foreign liquor from the licensed shop situated in the area of SEZ where he resides, and he shall use the liquor for his personal consumption, and not serve it at ceremonial or other functions or at any gathering.

An officer authorised by the SEZ Development Committee concerned shall issue the liquor card for a period not exceeding three years at a time in accordance with the government guidelines.

The applicant must have attained the age of 21, and have to pay the fees of Rs 500 per annum. The card holder shall not carry liquor out of his SEZ area, and he shall not move out of this area in a drunken condition.

Breach of this condition will be dealt as per Bombay Prohibition Act, 1949. The violator's liquor card shall be liable to be suspended or cancelled in the event of breach of any terms or conditions stated in the card, and if the card is obtained through misrepresentation or fraud.

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