Gujarat eases liquor access norms for visitors to GIFT City

The Gujarat government has further relaxed prohibition norms in Gujarat International Finance Tec (GIFT) City, allowing easier access to liquor for non-resident visitors, including people from other Indian states and foreign nationals. The changes were notified through a fresh government notification, marking another step in the gradual easing of restrictions within the financial hub.

A key feature of the notification is the formal inclusion of “external persons”, defined as individuals who are not residents of Gujarat, hold a photo identity card issued by another state, or are foreign nationals. Such visitors can now consume liquor by producing a valid photo ID, without the need to obtain a separate liquor access permit. This represents a significant departure from the tightly regulated framework introduced in December 2023.

The notification also relaxes rules for permit holders hosting guests, allowing employees with liquor access permits to sponsor up to 25 visitors at a time. It clarifies that diners without permits may freely enter wine-and-dine areas for food. Additionally, liquor service has been extended to hotel rooms, lawns, poolside areas and terraces, subject to the outlet holding an FL-III licence.