Applications for liquor permits go down in Gujarat in 2024

A significant decline has been observed in liquor permit applicants in Gujarat. In 2023, 7,440 permits were issued in six major cities of Gujarat, but in 2024, the number dropped to 3,499.

Currency there are five types of liquor permit in state

Health permit 

Immediate medical permits

Group permit for foreign nationals

Seven day permit for individual out of state

One month temporary tourist permit

At present, over 43,000 people hold liquor permits in the state, and the number continues to grow. 

In 2024, Surat topped the list with the highest number of new permits, 703, compared to 1,143 permits issued in 2023. Surat has around 12,500 liquor permit holders. Ahmedabad ranked second with 332 new permits in 2024, compared to 1,023 in 2023.

Experts say that the decline in liquor permit holders is because of a 65% tax on liquor at permit shops, which increases the cost of alcohol. Additionally, strict regulations have contributed to the decrease in permit applicants.

To obtain a health liquor permit, applicants must visit a civil hospital. 

Notably, Permit renewal statistics show that 3,743 people renewed their permits in 2021, 3,079 in 2022, and 4,103 in 2023.

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