On Friday, the Gujarat government issued a notification permitting the consumption of alcoholic beverages at hotels, restaurants, and clubs providing "wine and dine" services in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) located in the Gandhinagar district. This allowance extends to all individuals employed within the dry state of Gujarat's GIFT City and authorized visitors, specifically within the designated area.
However, the latest notification specifies that hotels and restaurants are not authorized to sell liquor bottles. The notification outlines the issuance of a "Liquor Access Permit" for all employees and owners working in GIFT City, enabling them to consume alcoholic beverages within the specified area. Additionally, authorized visitors from each company are permitted to partake in liquor consumption in hotels, restaurants, and clubs possessing temporary permits, provided they are in the presence of permanent employees of that company.
The notification further explains that hotels, restaurants, and clubs located or coming to GIFT City can obtain a "wine and dine" facility, indicated by an FL3 license.
The official statement justifies this decision as an effort to create a "global business ecosystem" within GIFT City. Presently, visitors to Gujarat have the option to purchase alcohol from authorized outlets by obtaining a temporary liquor permit.
NSE CEO Ashish Chauhan commented on this development, stating that GIFT City has gained a boost with this announcement. He highlighted the significance of this exemption from alcohol prohibition for certain entities, including residents and visitors, as indicated by the Gujarat government's notification.
GIFT City, serving as a tax-neutral financial center, aims to position itself as a competitive alternative to global hubs like Singapore. Recognized as India's first greenfield smart city and International Financial Services Center (IFSC), GIFT City hosts offices of numerous multinational companies, including Oracle, Cyril, Bank of America, Citi Bank, and others.
