Getting a liquor permit in Gujarat will soon be just a few clicks away. The state government is rolling out a new mobile app that will let residents and tourists apply for liquor permits online—eliminating paperwork, queues, and lengthy approvals.
With the app, users will be able to upload documents such as their Aadhaar card, make payments online, and receive a verified digital permit within minutes. The system, available in English, Hindi, and Gujarati, has already completed trial runs and is expected to go live within the next 15 days.
Currently, applicants must visit licensed outlets in star hotels or resorts, fill out forms, and submit ID proofs to get a liquor permit. The new digital system aims to simplify this process, especially for domestic and foreign tourists.
After GIFT City, where alcohol consumption is already permitted for employees and visitors, the government is planning to extend similar permissions to major tourist spots such as the Surat Diamond Bourse, Statue of Unity, and Rann Utsav in Kutch.
While officials say the initiative is designed to make the process convenient and tourist-friendly, critics argue it could indirectly promote alcohol consumption in the state.
Liquor Permits Issued in Major Gujarat Cities (Past Two Years)
| City | 2023 | 2024 |
|---|---|---|
| Ahmedabad | 1,023 | 322 |
| Surat | 1,143 | 703 |
| Vadodara | 386 | 238 |
| Gandhinagar | 191 | 131 |
| Bhavnagar | 186 | 168 |
| Rajkot | 178 | 216 |