Gandhinagar: The Gujarat government has introduced major changes to liquor rules in Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City), further easing restrictions to make the business hub more globally competitive.

The Home Department, through a notification dated December 20, 2025, has amended earlier orders issued in December 2023 and April 2025 under the Gujarat Prohibition Act, 1949, expanding exemptions, simplifying permit procedures and widening access to licensed liquor facilities.

Under the revised framework, persons working in or visiting GIFT City are exempted from several sections of the Prohibition Act, while F.L. III licence holders are exempted from multiple provisions of both the Act and the Bombay Foreign Liquor Rules, 1953.

One of the biggest changes compared to the 2023 rules is the expansion of locations where liquor can be served. Earlier, consumption was allowed only in designated Wine and Dine areas. Now, licensed establishments can serve liquor across hotel and restaurant premises, including lawns, poolside areas, terraces and other food and beverage spaces. Eligible permit holders can also order liquor from F.L. III licensees and consume it in hotel rooms.

Simpler permits, wider eligibility

The government has also streamlined the permit process. Earlier, employees had to apply for liquor access through a “Recommending Officer” such as an HR head. This role has now been removed. Employees working in GIFT City can directly apply for a Liquor Access Permit through an authorised person, who verifies details and forwards them to the Prohibition and Excise department.

Permit holders can host up to 25 visitors at a time under Temporary Permits, provided they accompany them.

A key new feature is the formal introduction of the “External Person” category. External Persons, defined as individuals from outside Gujarat or foreign nationals with valid photo identification, can consume liquor in permitted hotel and restaurant areas by showing their ID, without needing a liquor permit.

Earlier, visitor access was limited strictly to temporary permits issued through company channels. People visiting restaurants only for food and dining are also allowed entry into Wine and Dine areas.

Updated licences and oversight

The notification also introduces revised formats for Form F.L. III, Form A-1 and Form A-2. The updated F.L. III licence allows serving foreign liquor in approved areas of GIFT City on payment of a ₹1 lakh annual licence fee and a ₹2 lakh security deposit, along with strict conditions on record-keeping, inspections and compliance.

These changes reflect Gujarat’s calibrated policy approach, maintaining prohibition across the state while offering a more flexible, internationally aligned environment in GIFT City to attract global companies, professionals and events, without diluting regulatory oversight. DeshGujarat