In a significant development for Gujarat, a state with a long-standing prohibition policy, the government has earned INR 94.19 lakh through liquor sales in Gandhinagar’s GIFT City since allowing its consumption on December 30, 2023.
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who also oversees the Prohibition and Excise portfolio, disclosed this in a written response to a query by Congress MLA Amit Chavda during the state assembly session on Monday.
According to the CM’s reply, two entities—West India Recreation Projects Private Limited and The Grand Mercure—were granted licenses to sell liquor within GIFT City. This financial hub has recorded the sale of 3,324 bulk litres of spirits, 470 bulk litres of wine, and 19,915 bulk litres of beer over the past two years.
The decision to permit liquor consumption in GIFT City is a notable exception to Gujarat’s prohibition law. It applies exclusively to individuals living or working in the international financial hub. This move aims to enhance the attractiveness of GIFT City as a business destination by offering amenities commonly expected in global financial centres.
