Gujarat lifts liquor ban in GIFT City

In a strategic move aimed at fostering a global business environment, the Gujarat government has lifted the liquor ban in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) area in Gandhinagar. The decision, announced by the state prohibition and excise department, allows for the issuance of "liquor access permits" to owners and employees of companies situated in GIFT City.

Under the new policy, businesses in GIFT City can also grant "temporary permits" to their visitors, enabling them to consume alcohol in the presence of permanent employees. This significant relaxation of prohibition regulations comes just three weeks ahead of the 10th Vibrant Gujarat Summit, where the offshore campus of Australia's Deakin University in GIFT City is set to be inaugurated.

GIFT City, sprawling across 886 acres and comprising a 261-acre multi-service Special Economic Zone (SEZ) and a 625-acre Domestic Tariff Area (DTA), has evolved into a thriving global financial and technological hub. The decision to permit "wine and dine" facilities in the area aims to enhance the business ecosystem for global investors, technical experts, and national and international companies operating within GIFT City.

According to the state prohibition and excise department's statement, hotels, restaurants, and clubs in GIFT City will be granted permits for offering "wine and dine" facilities. While alcohol consumption will be allowed in these facilities, the sale of liquor bottles will not be permitted. The new policy specifically caters to employees and owners of GIFT City, providing them with liquor access permits for personal consumption.

Moreover, the statement outlines that authorized individuals, including visitors, can also partake in alcohol consumption within these establishments in the presence of regular employees by obtaining temporary permits. Notably, the move aligns with GIFT City's status as the country's first International Financial Services Centre (IFSC), hosting major corporations such as IBM, Bank of America, HSBC, Oracle, Beefree, Citibank, Deutsche Bank, and PWC.

While GIFT City accommodates approximately 20,000 employees, only a small fraction resides in the area. The government is reportedly considering housing projects, including high-end ones, to further develop the region. With existing amenities like an international school, an under-construction hospital, and a five-star hotel, the decision to lift the liquor ban aims to bolster GIFT City's appeal as a global business destination.