Ahmedabad: The Gujarat government introduced an online payment system for health permits for liquor licenses last month. This move, intended to cut out agents, has had a contrary effect. Many permit holders, struggling with the compulsory online payment system, are seeking the help of agents.

The Prohibition Department of Gujarat stopped accepting offline fees for health permits, mandating online payments. Moreover, the new policy imposes a Rs. 25,000 penalty for missing the renewal deadline. Permit holders who are struggling with the online system are turning to agents for assistance and demanding the return of the old offline system.

In 2023, the department issued 13,456 new and renewed permits in Ahmedabad. This year, however, only 76 new health permits have been issued, and just 1,772 have been renewed so far.

A Prohibition Department officer stated that the online payment system was introduced for more transparency, but in cases where necessary, district inspectors can accept offline payments as well. DeshGujarat