By Admin 
The Gujarat government has made major changes in the rules related to alcohol consumption in GIFT City. Now a non-resident person coming from Gujarat or outside India will not need to obtain any permit to consume liquor.
Liquor can be consumed only by showing valid photo identity card in the identified hotels and restaurants located in GIFT City. This decision has been implemented through the notification of the State Home Department issued on December 20. The objective of this decision is to make GIFT City more attractive as a global financial centre.
What were the changes in the rules?
According to the gazette notification issued by the state government, now “external persons” i.e. persons from outside Gujarat or foreign citizens, will be able to consume liquor in GIFT City. Earlier it was mandatory for such people to obtain temporary permit, which has now been completely abolished. According to the Economic Times, under the new rules, merely showing photo ID will be sufficient. This facility will be limited only to the designated premises of GIFT City. The rules of prohibition will remain the same in general Gujarat area.
Gujarat’s liquor ban and Gift City gets exemption
Let us tell you that Gujarat is a dry state, where the manufacture, sale and consumption of liquor is prohibited. However, in the year 2023, the state government had given special exemption to GIFT City. Under this exemption, sale and consumption of liquor was allowed with limited conditions in the Central Business District. Now after the new amendment, the rules have been further simplified.
Significance and potential impact of the decision
This decision of the government is being considered an important step towards strengthening the global image of GIFT City. This facility will increase business convenience for foreign companies, international representatives and external investors. This will help GIFT City compete with international financial centers like Dubai and Singapore. However, the scope of the rules has been kept limited so that the liquor prohibition policy of the state is not affected. The government has clarified that this exemption will be applicable only till GIFT City.