In Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, there has been a 58% increase in liquor permits issued on health grounds over the past three years, as per the data from the state’s prohibition and excise department.
The data reveals that Ahmedabad district leads with the highest number of liquor permit holders, boasting 13,456 permits. Surat follows in second place with 9,238 permits. Rajkot, holding 4,502 permits, comes next. Vadodara is not far behind with 2,743 permits. Other districts with significant numbers include Jamnagar with 2,039 permits, Gandhinagar with 1,851 permits, and Porbandar with 1,700 permits.
The number of liquor permit holders has seen a significant increase. In November 2020, Gujarat had 27,452 liquor permit holders. By 2023, this number had swelled to 43,470. Furthermore, around 77 hotels in Gujarat are licensed to sell liquor to permit holders and visitors from other parts of the country or abroad.
Foreign nationals and visitors from other states are granted permits for a maximum period of one week during their visit to Gujarat. This is in addition to the individuals who have been granted permits on health grounds, as stated by a senior official from the prohibition department.
Liquor permits are issued by the health department only if the area medical board provides a certificate. This certificate must affirm that the consumption of liquor is necessary for the applicant’s health.
Last week, the Gujarat government lifted the liquor ban in the area and exempted it from prohibition to foster a “global business ecosystem” in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City). Under the new system, existing and upcoming hotels, restaurants, and clubs in the GIFT City area will be granted permits for wine and dining facilities, according to the prohibition department. However, these establishments will not be allowed to sell liquor bottles to individuals.
With an estimated population of around 6.7 crores, Gujarat has maintained a ban on the manufacture, storage, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages since its inception.
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