While it came as good news for liquor lovers of the ‘dry state’ of Gujarat, political parties clashed over the BJP led Gujarat Government’s decision to allow liquor in GIFT City, which partially overturned the State’s strict prohibition policy since 1960.

The State Government has lifted the ban on liquor in the Gujarat International Finance Tec-City with the aim of providing a “global ecosystem”.

While the Congress and Aam Aadmi Party said it was an unfortunate decision that will ruin the youth, the BJP said it would provide proper environment for the development of business in the region.

“This is a very unfortunate decision. The BJP government wants to lift prohibition in the state and they have started it with GIFT city. Tomorrow they will say they want to lift liquor ban at the Statue of Unity (in Kevadia) and Tent City of Dhordo in Kutch to attract tourists as well as the Surat Diamond Bourse,” Leader of Opposition Amit Chavda said.

Congress MLA Ganiben Thakor said the decision must be withdrawn immediately in order to maintain law and order, dignity of women, adding that people will go to GIFT City to drink instead of going outside Gujarat.

Umesh Makwana, the AAP MLA from Botad, wrote to Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel seeking withdrawal of the decision to lift prohibition in GIFT City.

Countering these arguments, state minister Rushikesh Patel said the decision was taken for industry players who are coming from outside the state.

“This is a decision to provide same lifestyle to business leaders that they are used to in places where there is no liquor ban. Many foreign companies that have come to GIFT City are part of (Fortune) 500 plus companies. Let the Congress say what they want to but they will later understand the importance of this decision,” Patel asserted.

In a statement, the Gujarat prohibition department had said GIFT City has emerged as a global financial and technological hub which is bustling with economic activities. “An important decision has been taken on Friday to change rules to allow ‘wine and dine’ facilities in the GIFT City area to provide a global business ecosystem to global investors, technical experts and national and international companies,” it said.

Under the new system, hotels, restaurants and clubs (existing and that will come up) in the GIFT City area will be given permits for wine and dine facilities, but they will not be allowed to sell liquor bottles to people, the statement pointed out.

The Confederation of Indian Alcoholic Beverage Companies (CIABC) welcomed the Gujarat Government move to allow sale and consumption of alcohol in the GIFT City area.

“The true significance of this step lies in the underlying acknowledgment that alcohol is an essential part of relaxation and social bonding in the modern world. This move sends a strong signal to the world that GIFT City is a modern liberal place, ready to do business like other major global centres. It will not only give a major boost to the hospitality sector within the GIFT City but also attract major companies and quality workforce from across the globe. We will see a major boost to business and job opportunities post this move. It will give a fillip to the liquor industry as well as help the government to earn tax revenues. This move will go a long way in further boosting the state’s economy,” said Vinod Giri, Director General, CIABC.