Gandhinagar: Big news for visitors at GIFT City, if you’re from outside Gujarat or a foreign national, you can now consume alcohol at designated hotels and restaurants without any permit. A valid photo ID is all you need, as per the latest rules announced by the state government.

What’s changed

GIFT City, Gujarat’s global finance hub, has long been an exception in the otherwise “dry” state, where alcohol sale and consumption are restricted. Earlier, visitors had to obtain temporary permits to enjoy a drink. That requirement has now been removed.

Other key updates include:

Liquor can be consumed in lawns, terraces, and poolside areas, not just in wine-and-dine sections of restaurants.

Visitors coming for food can freely sit in designated dining areas without extra permissions.

GIFT City employees with a Liquor Access Permit can host up to 25 visitors at a time, with temporary permits automatically granted to accompanying guests.