The Gujarat government announced on Friday, December 22, a landmark decision to permit the consumption of alcohol within the premises of hotels, restaurants, and clubs offering “wine and dine” services in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City).
The noteworthy aspect of this decision lies in the fact that Gujarat is traditionally known as a dry state, where the sale and consumption of alcohol are restricted.
According to an official notification, all employees and owners of businesses within the expansive GIFT City complex will now be eligible to obtain a liquor access permit. This marks a significant departure from the state's longstanding prohibition policies.
Furthermore, the government has introduced a provision allowing authorised visitors of each company to consume liquor in hotels, restaurants, and clubs holding temporary permits, provided they are in the company of permanent employees from the same organisation.
For hotels, restaurants, and clubs planning to set up shop or currently operating in GIFT City, the government has established a pathway for obtaining the “wine and dine" facility, specifically through the FL3 licence.
Under this licence, GIFT City employees and authorised visitors can enjoy alcoholic beverages within these establishments.
While individuals are allowed to consume alcoholic beverages within the premises of hotels, clubs, and restaurants in GIFT City, there is a strict prohibition on the sale of liquor bottles by these establishments. In other words, patrons can enjoy drinks on-site, but the businesses are not permitted to engage in retail sales of packaged liquor for off-site consumption.
This move is expected to not only boost the hospitality sector within GIFT City but also cater to the recreational needs of the employees and visitors in this unique financial hub.
