In a significant move to make Gujarat’s GIFT City more welcoming for businesses and global visitors, the state government has relaxed its strict liquor laws within the smart business district.
Earlier, employees and guests of companies in GIFT City needed a company-nominated ‘Recommending Officer’—usually an HR head or PR officer—to apply for liquor permits. That requirement has now been removed, making it easier for professionals and visitors to enjoy a drink.
What’s New:
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Employees can now apply directly for a liquor access permit by submitting Form A-1 to an authorised officer.
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Once approved, they receive a permit card, and copies are sent to relevant authorities.
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Permit holders can also recommend up to five guests by filling out Form A-2—as long as the guests accompany them to the designated restaurants and lounges inside GIFT City.
This change is part of a broader effort to make GIFT City—a cutting-edge financial and tech hub between Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar—more appealing to global investors, skilled professionals, and business travelers.
Industry leaders have welcomed the move, saying it will enhance the city’s reputation as a modern, business-friendly destination while still maintaining regulatory oversight under the Gujarat Prohibition Act.
Spanning 880 acres, GIFT City includes a special economic zone (SEZ) for financial institutions and a non-SEZ area with office and residential spaces, offering a full urban experience for professionals.
