Gujarat Govt Eases Liquor Permit Rules in GIFT City, Removes Recommending Officer’s Role

In a significant policy shift aimed at liberalising liquor permit norms within Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), the state government has announced a major relaxation under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949. The most notable change is the removal of the ‘Recommending Officer’ requirement for issuing temporary and group liquor permits, making the process more streamlined for employees and visitors alike.

Through a notification issued by the Home Department on April 15, the government amended its earlier order from December 2023. These changes are designed to make GIFT City—a financial and technology hub—more conducive to global business practices while still operating within the framework of Gujarat’s prohibition laws.

Under the revised norms, employees of companies operating within GIFT City can now directly submit Form A-1 to an authorised officer to obtain a liquor access permit. Previously, the application had to go through a designated ‘Recommending Officer’—typically the HR head, PRO, or another designated official of the company—who was approved by GIFT City’s authorised officer. This extra layer has now been eliminated, significantly easing the application process.

Once verified, a liquor access permit card will be issued and shared with both the authorised officer and the Superintendent of Prohibition and Excise. In addition, employees holding these permits are now allowed to recommend up to five visitors at a time via Form A-2. However, they must accompany these visitors in designated wine and dine zones within the GIFT City campus.

The authorised officer, in this context, refers to an individual appointed by the Managing Director of GIFT City, who will now be responsible for verifying and approving permit applications. With this centralisation, the government aims to improve efficiency while ensuring regulatory compliance.

The updated rules also expand access to group permits for both regular and temporary permit holders, allowing more flexibility in organising social or corporate events involving alcohol.

According to officials and industry insiders, these changes are part of a broader effort to enhance GIFT City’s appeal to international businesses and professionals. By easing access to alcohol within a controlled and regulated environment, the Gujarat government is addressing a long-standing concern among global investors and employees working in the zone.

While Gujarat continues to uphold its prohibition policy, the reforms within GIFT City represent a pragmatic and progressive step, balancing tradition with the demands of a modern international business ecosystem.

AM.