Gujarat govt plans liquor outlet in Gandhi’s Porbandar for permit holders

After GIFT City Gandhinagar, the Gujarat government is planning to allow a licensed liquor outlet in the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, Porbandar, for permit holders, marking a significant move.

So far, permit holders in Porbandar had to travel to other cities to procure liquor. The administration has now reportedly granted permission to a local hotel to operate a liquor shop, with licensed sales likely to begin from April 1, coinciding with the new financial year.

While there has been no official confirmation from authorities, sources said the approval process has been completed and preparations for commencement are under way.

The hotel management has neither confirmed nor publicly acknowledged receiving permission, they added.

The move has triggered discussions at the local level and on social media, given Porbandar’s significance as Gandhiji’s birthplace and the state’s long-standing prohibition policy.

In the past, similar demands by private establishments were reportedly turned down following local opposition.