Archive · 6 Jan 2026
Gujarat Eases Liquor Prohibition for Investors
Gujarat, a state in India, has had a law against alcohol for a long time.
Recently, the government has been making some changes to this law to make it easier for people who work in special areas like GIFT City, a financial hub near Ahmedabad.
They can now drink alcohol in certain places with special permits.
This is because many foreign investors and workers have been asking for this change, saying it makes the state more attractive for business.
However, drinking alcohol is still not widely accepted in Gujarat, and the government has to be careful about how it makes these changes.
The number of places where you can buy alcohol has increased, but it's still not as easy as in other states.
The government is trying to balance the needs of investors with the traditional values of the state.
Gujarat has selectively lifted its prohibition law to allow liquor serving in GIFT City's 'wine and dine' areas via permits.
The relaxation aims to attract foreign investments and provide a 'global business ecosystem' in GIFT City.
The state has seen an increase in the number of licensed liquor shops from 43 in 2014 to 85 in 2025.
Despite relaxations, consuming alcohol in Gujarat remains a taboo, with strict laws and social stigma.
The Gujarat government has been making these changes ahead of the biennial Vibrant Gujarat investor summits to attract more investors.
- Who
- Gujarat government, foreign investors, and residents
- What
- Relaxation of liquor prohibition laws in Gujarat, specifically in GIFT City
- When
- December 2023 and further relaxed in 2024
- Where
- Gujarat, particularly in GIFT City and Special Economic Zones (SEZs)
- Why
- To attract foreign investments and provide a 'global business ecosystem'
- Gujarat's Prohibition Law
- Inherited from 1949, with various relaxations over the years
- GIFT City Liquor Permits
- Allowed in 'wine and dine' areas since December 2023
- Liquor Shops in Gujarat
- Increased from 43 in 2014 to 85 in 2025
- Liquor Seizures Annually
- Around Rs 250 crore worth of IMFL seized
- GIFT City Companies
- Around 700 companies employing nearly 25,000 people
- Liquor Permits in GIFT City
- Around 700 permits issued in the first year of relaxation
- Vibrant Gujarat Summits
- Biennial investor summits that coincide with liquor law relaxations