Gujarat mulls extending GIFT City-style liquor relaxations to Dholera SIR
State govt sources say a proposal to allow the sale and consumption of liquor within Dholera SIR — mirroring the rules already in force at GIFT City — is at an advanced stage, aimed at drawing global talent and investment to the smart industrial city.
Jun 24, 2026Policy3 min read
After easing prohibition rules in GIFT City, the Gujarat government is now considering allowing the consumption and sale of liquor within the Dholera Special Investment Region (SIR) — the smart industrial city being positioned to attract investment in new-age sectors such as data centres and semiconductor manufacturing.
Top government sources say the proposal is at an advanced stage of deliberation, with an announcement expected soon. "The proposed relaxations in prohibition laws at Dholera SIR will be identical to those offered at GIFT City. Officials of various departments are holding deliberations to chalk out the final draft of the proposal," a senior source confirmed.
Why the rethink
Officials frame the move as part of the state's push to make Dholera a globally competitive industrial destination. "It is necessary to create a conducive environment, as a large number of foreign nationals and those from other parts of the country are expected to work at Dholera SIR," a source said. Construction of a luxury hotel in Dholera is nearing completion, and other amenities are also being set up.
What the GIFT City model looks like
The relaxation already in place at GIFT City — Gujarat's global financial hub — lets employees and authorised visitors buy and consume alcohol within designated, licensed premises, bypassing the statewide prohibition.
- Tourists and visitors: no temporary permit is required within the designated GIFT City areas. Visitors from outside Gujarat and foreign nationals no longer need to apply for or carry temporary liquor permits — a government-issued photo ID confirming out-of-state residency or foreign nationality grants access.
- Employees: those working in GIFT City can obtain personal liquor access permits through a streamlined process, applying directly to authorised officers without needing external 'recommending officer' approvals. Permit-holding employees can host up to five guests at a time.
If extended to Dholera on identical terms, the same framework would apply within the SIR's designated zones — a notable signal of how far the state is willing to go to make the corridor attractive to international firms and their workforce.
Source: The Times of India.