Gujarat Eases Liquor Norms in GIFT City

The Gujarat government has eased liquor consumption norms within the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) by revising its ‘Wine and Dine’ policy, allowing alcohol to be served in expanded designated areas such as hotel terraces, lawns and poolside zones. The move is aimed at strengthening GIFT City’s appeal as a global financial and information technology hub.

Officials said the revised policy will permit domestic and foreign visitors, as well as authorised officials working in GIFT City, to consume liquor within specified premises. The changes are intended to support a global business ecosystem and streamline operations for international investors, technical experts, and national and multinational companies operating in the city.

GIFT City, India’s first operational International Financial Services Centre, spans 880 acres along the Sabarmati River between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar. It has been envisioned as a world-class financial and IT hub designed to attract global capital and talent.

Under the amended rules, domestic and foreign visitors travelling on official business will be able to obtain temporary liquor permits more easily. The managing director of GIFT City has also been empowered to issue group permits for large conventions and major business events, a step expected to facilitate international conferences and corporate gatherings.

The Gujarat government has, however, made it clear that there is no change to the state’s long-standing prohibition laws. The revised policy applies strictly within the confines of GIFT City and does not dilute the broader legal framework governing alcohol consumption in Gujarat.

As per the Gujarat Prohibition (Amended) Act, 2017, the sale, purchase, transport and possession of liquor in the state is a punishable offence, carrying a prison term that can extend up to ten years, with a minimum sentence of seven years along with a fine.

Officials stressed that the revised ‘Wine and Dine’ policy applies only to designated zones within GIFT City and is intended to facilitate officials, employees and visiting business delegates. The amended rules do not apply to residents of Gujarat and do not alter the state’s prohibition regime outside the special financial zone.

The move is part of broader efforts to position GIFT City as a globally competitive destination for finance, technology and international business while maintaining Gujarat’s prohibition framework across the rest of the state.