Liquor consumption norms further relaxed in GIFT City under revised govt order

The Gujarat government has further relaxed liquor consumption rules in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), allowing a wider category of people to consume alcohol across hotel and restaurant premises, as per a government order issued on Saturday.

In an extraordinary notification published in the Gujarat Government Gazette, the Home Department amended its earlier orders under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949, extending exemptions to persons working in or visiting GIFT City and to FL-III licence holders.

Where can liquor be served?

The revised order allows liquor to be served not only in designated Wine and Dine facilities but also in other areas of hotels and restaurants, including lawns, poolside areas, terraces and food-and-beverage sections.

Who can consume liquor in GIFT City?

As per the amended conditions, liquor may now be served to Liquor Access Permit holders, Temporary Permit holders and “External Persons”. The government has defined an External Person as someone who is not from Gujarat, holds a photo identity card of another state, or is a foreign national. The minimum age for consumption has been fixed at 21 years.

The order also permits External Persons to consume liquor by producing a valid photo identity card, while visitors coming only for food and dining purposes will be allowed access to Wine and Dine areas. Liquor Access Permit holders can additionally order liquor from FL-3 licensees and consume it in hotel rooms.

Permit rules

The government has revised procedures for issuing Liquor Access Permits, authorising designated officials in GIFT City to verify employee credentials and issue permits, while group permits for visitors will now be issued by the authorised officer in GIFT City. The maximum number of visitors allowed under a temporary permit has been capped at 25 per permit holder.

The amended order also substitutes existing licence and permit forms, prescribing a licence fee of ₹1 lakh and a security deposit of ₹2 lakh for FL-III licences to serve foreign liquor in GIFT City, subject to compliance with conditions laid down under the Prohibition Act.