The Gujarat government has further relaxed liquor rules in GIFT City, allowing more people to consume alcohol in hotels and restaurants, according to a new order issued on Saturday.
As per the revised order, liquor can now be served not only in designated Wine and Dine areas but also in other parts of hotels and restaurants, such as lawns, poolside areas, terraces and food-and-beverage sections.
Liquor consumption will be allowed for Liquor Access Permit holders, Temporary Permit holders and “External Persons”. External Persons include people from outside Gujarat, those holding identity cards of other states, and foreign nationals. The minimum age for consuming liquor has been fixed at 21 years.
External Persons can consume liquor by showing a valid photo identity card. Visitors coming only for food and dining will be allowed entry into Wine and Dine areas. Liquor Access Permit holders will also be allowed to order liquor from FL-3 licensees and consume it in their hotel rooms.
The government has simplified permit procedures by allowing designated GIFT City officials to verify employee details and issue Liquor Access Permits. Group permits for visitors will be issued by authorised officers, with a maximum of 25 visitors allowed under one temporary permit.
The revised order also updates licence and permit forms and sets a licence fee of 1 lakh and a security deposit of 2 lakh for FL-III licences to serve foreign liquor in GIFT City, subject to existing legal conditions.