The Gujarat government has introduced significant changes to liquor consumption rules at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), further easing restrictions in the state’s only designated exemption zone from prohibition.
Under the revised framework, individuals from outside Gujarat, including foreign nationals, are now permitted to consume alcohol at authorised hotels and restaurants within GIFT City by presenting a valid photo identity card. The move is aimed at enhancing the city’s appeal as a global financial and business hub while aligning its lifestyle ecosystem with international standards.
Gujarat, which follows strict prohibition laws, bans the manufacture, sale, and consumption of liquor across the state. However, in 2023, the state government carved out a special exemption for GIFT City—India’s first operational international financial services centre—allowing regulated sale and consumption of alcohol within its central business district, subject to specific conditions.
The latest relaxation simplifies access for business travellers, professionals, and international visitors, removing the earlier requirement of special permits for eligible non-residents. Consumption remains restricted to designated establishments that have received official authorisation, ensuring regulatory oversight remains in place.
Officials say the decision is part of a broader effort to position GIFT City as a globally competitive destination for finance, fintech, and multinational corporations, offering a work-live-play environment comparable to other international financial centres.
GIFT City, located near Gandhinagar, has been steadily expanding its infrastructure and policy ecosystem to attract global firms, and the revised liquor policy is expected to support business tourism, hospitality growth, and international engagement.
