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Updated 15:09 IST, December 23rd 2023

Why the dry state of Gujarat allowed liquor consumption in GIFT City

The move aims at creating a flexible regulatory environment since the GIFT City is all set to compete with the international centres like Singapore.

Reported by: Manisha Roy
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Representative image of a drink. | Image: Unsplash/Representative

Gandhinagar: With the Gujarat government allowing liquor consumption at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) in Gandhinagar, both employees and authorised visitors will be able to savour the alcoholic beverages. The decision to ease liquor restrictions comes for the first time since the state’s inception in 1960. 
 

Aims at creating flexible regulatory environment

The move aims at creating a flexible regulatory environment since the under-construction financial services centre, GIFT City, is all set to compete with global financial centres like Singapore. The government's move to relax alcohol restrictions in GIFT is a significant step in transforming the city into a modern hub for financial services and technology. GIFT is evolving beyond traditional financial services, focusing on innovation and sustainability for its future growth. Spread across 886 acres, GIFT City also houses the country's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC). 

According to the Narcotics and Excise Department, the prohibition restrictions have been changed to 'wine and dine' keeping in line with the government's vision for the centre. Under this new policy, a liquor access permit will be provided to all employees and owners working within the GIFT City, using which they can consume liquor.

Under this new regulation, authorized visitors of each company operating within GIFT City can consume liquor in designated hotels, restaurants, and clubs. The visitors can consume liquor only in the presence of a permanent employee of the respective company. To facilitate this initiative, hotels, restaurants, and clubs in GIFT City are now eligible to obtain an FL3 license, providing the wine and dine facility. These establishments are, however, prohibited from selling liquor bottles directly to consumers. In Gujarat, the sale of alcoholic beverages to the general public is forbidden under state law.
 

Published 15:09 IST, December 23rd 2023