Gujarat Eases Liquor Rules in GIFT City Ahead of Christmas and New Year, Makes Access Easier for Tourists and Foreign Visitors

Ahmedabad:
In a significant policy relaxation ahead of the Christmas and New Year festivities, the Gujarat government has further eased liquor consumption rules in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), making it easier for tourists, non-resident Indians, and foreign nationals to consume alcohol. The move is seen as part of the state’s broader strategy to position GIFT City as a global financial and business hub.

According to a new government notification, non-residents of Gujarat and foreign citizens can now consume alcohol in GIFT City without requiring an individual permit. In addition, companies operating within GIFT City are now allowed to host parties for up to 25 guests, provided the invitees are from outside Gujarat or are foreign nationals.

Major Relief for Employees and Visitors

The revised rules also significantly simplify the permit process for employees working in GIFT City. Staff members can now obtain liquor access permits by submitting Form A1 based solely on their official identity card, eliminating the earlier requirement of authorization from their company’s human resources department.

Once issued, an employee’s permit allows them to host up to 25 guests at a time without any additional approvals. The responsibility of companies for employees who leave GIFT City without surrendering their permits has also been removed.

Alcohol Allowed Across Hotel Premises, Including Private Rooms

Under the new norms, alcohol can now be served throughout licensed hotel and restaurant premises within GIFT City—including lawns, poolside areas, rooftops, and even private hotel rooms—as long as the establishment holds a valid FL-III licence. Earlier, consumption was restricted largely to designated “wine-and-dine” zones.

Limited Relaxation in a Dry State

GIFT City remains the only location in Gujarat where alcohol consumption is permitted under regulated conditions. Gujarat has been a dry state since 1947, and prohibition continues across the rest of the state.

The partial lifting of prohibition in GIFT City came into effect on December 30, 2023, aimed at attracting global companies, financial institutions, and international professionals. Since then, 985 permanent liquor permits and 5,291 temporary permits have been issued to visitors. By October 2025, over 55,500 bulk litres of liquor had been sold under the controlled system.

Aligning with Global Ambitions

GIFT City Managing Director and Group CEO Sanjay Kaul said the revised notification is a “pragmatic step” to support GIFT City’s role as an international financial and business district. Industry leaders echoed the sentiment, stating that the move aligns with Gujarat’s ambitions to host major global events such as the Commonwealth Games 2030 and potentially the Olympics 2036.

Group Permits and Age Limit

The government has also introduced a group permit system, allowing companies to obtain a single permit for hosting events. These permits will be issued by authorized GIFT City officials. The minimum legal drinking age in GIFT City has been set at 21 years.

Located between Gandhinagar and Ahmedabad, GIFT City is India’s first smart city and a flagship project envisioned under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s development model. Since the controlled relaxation of prohibition, the city has witnessed accelerated growth, with several international universities and global firms establishing campuses and offices.

The latest policy shift reinforces Gujarat’s attempt to balance its long-standing prohibition framework with the demands of global business, tourism, and international competitiveness.