Why Gujarat Govt Lifted Liquor Ban In GIFT City

In a bid to attempt to provide a "global business ecosystem" at the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), the Gujarat government on Friday lifted the prohibition on liquor in the area, exempting it from the statewide ban.

Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, has prohibited the manufacturing, storage, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages since its inception.

"GIFT City has emerged as a global financial and technological hub which is bustling with economic activities. An important decision has been taken on Friday to change rules to allow 'wine and dine' facilities in the GIFT City area to provide a global business ecosystem to global investors, technical experts and national and international companies," in a statement, the state prohibition department said.

"Under the new system, hotels, restaurants and clubs (existing and that will come up) in the GIFT City area will be given permits for wine and dine facilities," it said. However, such establishments will not be allowed to sell liquor bottles to people.

"Those officially working in GIFT City area and their official guests will be able to go to such hotels, restaurants and clubs for wine and dine facilities," the statement further said.

As per the report, the owners and employees of companies in GIFT City will be issued liquor access permits, while temporary permits will be granted to their visitors, allowing them to consume alcohol at designated hotels and restaurants.

The state's prohibition and excise department will oversee the import, storage, and sale of liquor within the city. Currently, visitors from outside Gujarat can purchase liquor from authorized outlets by obtaining a temporary permit.

However, the Opposition Congress has slammed the government's decision to lift the liquor ban.

Congress MP Shaktisinh Gohil on X said, "In Gandhinagar's Gift City, the alcohol ban is being lifted, and it's been decided to remove the prohibition. Now people will consume it, and it will impact Gujarat in a negative way,"