No more restricted zones as Gujarat’s GIFT City expands ‘Wine and Dine’ policy

GANDHINAGAR(Gujarat): The GIFT City administration has relaxed its liquor laws to allow authorised officials and visitors to consume alcohol within the financial hub. Aimed at making the district more attractive to global investors and international corporations, the revised “Wine and Dine” policy now permits liquor consumption in expanded areas, including hotel terraces, lawns, and poolside zones. Under the new rules, domestic and foreign visitors on official business can obtain temporary permits more easily. At the same time, the city’s Managing Director has been empowered to issue group permits for major conventions and business events.

In a move aimed at strengthening GIFT City’s position as a global financial and technology hub, the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) administration has revised its “Wine and Dine” facility to allow authorised officials working in GIFT City and domestic and foreign visitors visiting the area for official purposes to consume liquor within designated premises.

According to officials, the changes have been introduced to support a global business ecosystem and streamline operations for international investors, technical experts, and national and multinational companies operating in GIFT City. The revised policy enables visitors coming to GIFT City for industrial or official purposes to obtain temporary liquor permits more easily.

Under the updated provisions, such visitors will be permitted to consume liquor at approved “Wine and Dine” facilities and at other authorised hotel and restaurant premises within GIFT City, including restaurants, lawn areas, poolside zones, and terraces. The move is intended to provide greater convenience to business travellers from other countries and states attending meetings, conferences and official engagements in the financial district.

To streamline arrangements for international and national conventions, conferences, and business meetings held in GIFT City, the Managing Director of GIFT City has been authorised to issue group liquor permits for such events. The minimum age for holding a liquor access or temporary permit is 21 years.

The state government has clarified that there is no change in Gujarat’s existing prohibition laws or policies. The amendments are limited to the “Wine and Dine” policy, which applies only within GIFT City, and are aimed at facilitating officials, employees, and visiting business delegates as part of efforts to develop a globally competitive business environment. These provisions do not apply to residents of Gujarat, officials said. (ANI)