Alcohol License Application Guide For Nris In Gujarat

Gujarat is known for its stringent alcohol prohibition under the Gujarat Prohibition Act of 1949, which makes alcohol production, sale, and consumption illegal. However, non-residents of Gujarat, foreign nationals, and NRIs can apply for a liquor permit to legally consume alcohol in the state. The process of obtaining a liquor permit involves providing valid government-issued ID proof, such as a passport or driving license, and may require proof of travel and accommodation. Applications can be made through the state home department's E-permit portal or through authorized dealers, hotels, or government channels. It is important to note that the consumption of alcohol with a valid permit is restricted to private, indoor spaces and is subject to weekly purchase limits.

Eligibility criteria for a liquor permit

Gujarat is a dry state, and the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. However, non-residents of Gujarat and foreign nationals can apply for a liquor permit. This permit allows the legal consumption of alcohol in the state. The eligibility criteria are as follows:

• The applicant must be a non-resident of Gujarat or a foreign national.
• Applicants must be over 21 years of age.
• Applicants must provide valid government-issued ID. This can include a passport, driving license, election card, Aadhaar card, or similar.
• Applicants must provide proof of their local contact address in Ahmedabad. This can include a driving license, electricity bill, telephone bill, property tax bill, or similar.
• Applicants must provide original travel tickets or toll tax receipts and a copy of the vehicle's registration book if travelling by car.
• Applicants must apply within 4-5 days of arrival.
• There is a fee for Indian non-residents, payable via net banking or card. Foreigners are exempt from this fee.
• The permit is valid for seven days and can be extended.
• Renewal must be done on the day of expiry or the day before if the expiry date falls on a Sunday or government holiday.

Where to obtain a liquor permit

If you are a non-resident of Gujarat or a foreign national, you can obtain a liquor permit in the state. Foreign tourists who wish to buy, possess, transport, use, or consume bottled liquor in Gujarat can obtain a liquor permit from an authorized dealer or hotel in the state. The State Excise Department has authorised various liquor vendors and hotels to sell liquor to foreigners with valid liquor licences.

A foreigner entering Mumbai can obtain a liquor permit from the India Tourism Office at the Air India Building, Ground Floor, Nariman Point, Mumbai 400021. The office is open from Monday to Friday between 08:30 a.m. and 06:00 p.m., and on Saturdays and holidays (except January 26, August 15, and October 02) between 08:30 a.m. and 02:00 p.m. A valid foreign passport and Indian visa are required to obtain the permit.

Additionally, you can access the state home department's E-permit portal to create a profile and follow the outlined steps. You can also obtain the application form and fee details from the nearest state home department office or through their official website. After submitting your application and the necessary documents, the state home department will process your application and issue a liquor possession permit if approved.

Remember to carry your liquor permit with you at all times while consuming alcohol in Gujarat, as failure to do so can result in legal action.

Documents required for a liquor permit

To obtain a liquor permit in Gujarat, India, as an NRI or foreign tourist, you must apply online via the state home department's e-permit portal: http://eps.gpeonline.co.in. Here is a list of the supporting documents required for a liquor permit in Gujarat:

• Original travel tickets to Ahmedabad (bus, railway, or boarding pass). If travelling by car, toll tax receipts and a copy of the vehicle's registration book are required.
• Copy of government-approved identity proof that confirms non-residency in Gujarat. This can include an election card, Aadhaar card, passport, or driving license.
• Copy of local contact address proof in Ahmedabad. This can include a driving license, electricity bill, BSNL telephone bill, or property tax bill.
• Original documents, such as a passport, must be shown at the liquor shop, along with the receipt of the online submission.
• A job/business ID with an address outside of Gujarat may also be requested.

Please note that there is a fee for Indian non-residents, which can be paid via net banking or card, and a ceiling on the amount of alcohol that can be purchased during each seven-day slot.

Alcohol purchase limits with a liquor permit

Gujarat is a dry state, and the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited. However, tourists and non-residents of Gujarat or foreign nationals can apply for a liquor permit to legally purchase and consume alcohol in the state.

Liquor permits are valid for seven days and can be extended if necessary. During each seven-day period, a visitor with a liquor permit may purchase one of the following options:

• One 750ml bottle of hard liquor (e.g. whiskey, gin, rum, or vodka)
• Three bottles of wine
• Ten 650ml bottles of beer

How to Apply for a Liquor Permit

To obtain a liquor permit, you can visit the state home department's e-permit portal and set up a profile. Upload soft copies of the relevant documents, which may include:

• Original travel tickets or toll tax receipts and a copy of the vehicle's registration book if traveling by car
• Copy of a government-approved identity proof of Non-Resident of Gujarat (election card, Aadhaar card, passport, or driving license)
• Copy of a local contact address proof in Ahmedabad (driving license, electricity bill, BSNL telephone bill, or property tax bill)
• Job/business ID with an address outside of Gujarat

There is a nominal fee for Indian non-residents of Gujarat, which can be paid via net banking or card. Foreigners are exempt from charges. Once the payment is processed, you can download and print out your liquor permit.

It is important to note that liquor shops in Gujarat are typically open from 12:00 pm to 8:00 pm and are closed on the second Saturday, Sundays, and all government holidays. Additionally, the legal drinking age in Gujarat is 21, and alcohol consumption is restricted to private, indoor spaces.

Legal consequences for violating liquor laws

Gujarat has a sumptuary law that prohibits the manufacture, storage, sale, and consumption of alcoholic beverages. The state has a complete ban on the sale and consumption of alcohol, and the law is strictly enforced.

Under the Gujarat Prohibition Act of 1949, it is illegal to consume alcohol in public places such as streets, parks, and beaches. Violators face fines of up to Rs. 5,000 for a first offence, and up to Rs. 10,000 for subsequent offences. If unable to pay the fine, individuals may face imprisonment for up to 3 months.

The Gujarat government takes a hard line on alcohol possession, sale, and consumption, and those who break the law can face severe consequences, including imprisonment of up to 10 years.

In 2009, the then-chief minister, Narendra Modi, amended the law to introduce the death penalty for cases where casualties were caused by toxic alcohol. This amendment followed a tragedy in which 148 people died after consuming adulterated alcohol. In 2022, another incident of toxic liquor caused the deaths of 42 people, with 97 requiring treatment.

Foreign tourists wishing to purchase, possess, transport, use, or consume bottled liquor in Gujarat can obtain a liquor permit from authorized dealers or hotels. A list of authorized dealers and hotels is available, and foreigners can obtain a liquor permit in Mumbai prior to their departure to Gujarat.

It is important to note that the legal consequences for violating liquor laws can vary across different states in India, as each state has its own regulations. While some states like Gujarat have a complete ban on alcohol, others like Goa and Kerala have more relaxed laws with certain restrictions on timings and age limits.

Frequently asked questions