Ahead of mega business summit, Gujarat permits liquor consumption in GIFT City

THE government of the western Indian state of Gujarat has decided to permit consumption of alcohol in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) located in its Gandhinagar district to attract global financial institutions, India's Hindu newspaper reported.

The decision was taken last month, less than a month before the state hosts the 10th edition of the Vibrant Gujarat Global Summit, a business event which was flagged off by prime minister Narendra Modi two decades ago, as the chief minister of Gujarat. The summit will be held in state capital Gandhinagar between January 10 and 12.

Read: Vibrant Gujarat Summit: A mission that turned adversity into prosperity

In its latest decision, Gujarat's Bharatiya Janata Party government said that alcohol would be allowed at hotels, restaurants and clubs offering "wine and dine" in GIFT City, the report added.

Officials, employees and owners working from the central business district of GIFT City will be exempted from the prohibition law that makes consumption of alcohol illegal across Gujarat. The state has been a dry state ever since its creation by bifurcating the erstwhile state of Bombay in 1960.

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The Hindu also reported that a liquor access permit will be issued to all employees, owners and officials who work in GIFT City.

The updated regulations for GIFT City permit visitors to partake in alcoholic beverages at hotels, restaurants, and clubs holding temporary permits, provided they are in the company of permanent employees of the relevant organisation.

In line with these changes, establishments within GIFT City can apply for a wine and dine facility license. Both GIFT City employees and visitors are allowed to enjoy alcoholic beverages at hotels, clubs, and restaurants. It's important to note, however, that these establishments are prohibited from selling liquor bottles, as outlined in the state government's announcement.

Gujarat has taken a series of measures to relax prohibition to lure foreign investments. For instance, special economic zones in the state were given exemption from the state's law pertaining to consumption of liquor.

Also, the state allows licensed liquor outlets in some hotels where only tourists are allowed to buy alcohol.

The Hindu report said citing sources that there are 60 hotels and clubs that allow liquor shops to cater to tourists.