Number of liquor permits issued on health grounds in Gujarat state, increased by 58% in 3 years

According to state prohibition and excise agency data, the number of liquor permits issued on health grounds in Gujarat state has surged by 58% in three years.

Gujarat has a population of approximately 6.7 crore people, and the manufacture, storage, sale, and use of alcoholic beverages have been prohibited in Gujarat since its creation.

According to the report, the Ahmedabad district has the most liquor permissions, with 13,456 permits. Surat came in second with 9,238 liquor permits. Surat was closely followed by Rajkot, which had 4,502 permits. With 2,743 permits, Vadodara was not far behind in the league. Jamnagar registered 2,039 licenses, Gandhinagar 1,851 permits, and Porbandar 1,700 permits.

According to the data, the number of people in Gujarat who obtained liquor permits in November 2020 was 27,452, but by 2023, the number had risen to 43,470. According to another source, approximately 77 hotels in Gujarat are licensed to sell alcohol to permit holders and individuals visiting the state from other areas of the country or abroad.

Apart from those granted permission on health grounds, foreign nationals and persons from other states are granted permits for a maximum of one week during their stay in Gujarat, according to a senior official from the prohibition department, reported PTI.

Individuals are only provided liquor permits by the health department if the local medical board grants a certificate. This certificate must state that the applicant's health requires the drinking of booze.

Last Monday, the Gujarat government lifted the ban on liquor in the area and exempted it from prohibition to promote a "global business ecosystem" as a result of 'the Gujarat International Finance Technology City (GIFT City).'

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According to the prohibition department, hotels, restaurants, and clubs (existing and new) in the GIFT City area will be granted permits for wine and eating facilities under the new system. These outlets, however, will not be able to sell liquor bottles to customers.

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