Gujarat, a state synonymous with prohibition since its inception in 1960, has generated Rs 94.19 lakh in revenue from liquor sales at Gujarat International Finance Tec-City (GIFT City) since relaxing its alcohol ban there in December 2023.

Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel, who oversees the Prohibition and Excise portfolio, shared these figures in the state assembly on Monday, responding to a query from Congress MLA Amit Chavda during the Budget Session.

The revenue stems from the consumption of 3,324 bulk liters of spirits, 470 bulk liters of wine, and 19,915 bulk liters of beer by GIFT City employees as of January 31, 2025. Two entities—West India Recreation Projects Pvt Ltd and The Grand Mercury—received liquor sale licenses on January 9 and 10, 2024, respectively, enabling regulated alcohol access within the fintech hub.

This marks a historic shift for Gujarat, the birthplace of Mahatma Gandhi, where the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol have long been outlawed.

The exemption, introduced on December 30, 2023, aims to foster a “global business ecosystem” at GIFT City, attracting investors, technical experts, and international firms. Under the revised rules, hotels, restaurants, and clubs in the district can offer “wine and dine” services, though selling liquor bottles remains prohibited.

Employees and owners receive liquor access permits, while visitors can obtain temporary permits to partake alongside permanent staff.

The move, while modest in revenue terms, reflects Gujarat’s balancing act between its prohibition legacy and economic ambitions. Critics, including opposition parties, have decried it as a cultural compromise, but the state defends it as a strategic step to elevate GIFT City’s global appeal.

Meanwhile, Gujarat continues to allow tourists temporary permits for liquor purchases at authorized outlets statewide.