Govt to issue cards to those who travel outside GIFT City after consuming liquor

Source: The Indian Express

To facilitate employees, owners and visitors exempted from the prohibition law, who travel outside GIFT City after consuming liquor, the Gujarat government will provide them “cards” as documentary proof to ensure that they do not face legal hassles, Minister for Law and Justice Rushikesh Patel said on Saturday.

He was speaking to The Indian Express on the sidelines of the Rashtriya Raksha University convocation in Gandhinagar on Saturday. When asked how it will be ensured that those availing the “wine and dine” facility at GIFT City would not face legal action under the prohibition law once they move out of its limits, Patel said: “They will be given cards and that will exempt them (from prosecution).”

Citing a “purpose to provide a global business ecosystem”, the state government had on Friday exempted GIFT City from prohibition. While “liquor access permits” will be given to owners and employees of companies in GIFT City, these companies can “authorise” visitors with “temporary permits” to “drink in the presence of the permanent employees”.

The Gujarat Prohibition Act prohibits the entry of people in intoxicated condition within state limits. One can face prison term ranging from six months to two years in case he is prosecuted.

Also a government spokesperson, Patel said that the exemption has removed “hurdles” in the way of those coming to GIFT City for work. “The government always take decisions for the progress of the state… GIFT City has established financial institutions, IT sector companies, banking companies… not only from India but also from abroad. It is important to preserve the lifestyle of the talent coming from outside, the state as well as from across country, to work… thus to encourage such an environment (the ‘wine and dine’ facility has been effected).”

“I believe that in the coming times, because of this decision, many people from across the country and abroad will see the business opportunities available in Gujarat… It is an effort to let people maintain what is part of their social life or lifestyle. GIFT City is on its way to be a major hub of economic activity, not only for Gujarat but for India. We have to match the lifestyle of those who come from outside of Gujarat. I believe that this measure has removed the few hurdles or limitations that existed (for outsiders to come to come and work at GIFT City),” he added.

Dismissing objections raised by Opposition parties like Congress and AAP, over the exemption given to GIFT City, Patel said, “Congress has been opposing everything in Gujarat since 2001. I believe IIM students should study Congress rule versus BJP rule and Congress should also change their mindset now.”

“In GIFT City, only employees and owners of businesses are permitted to avail the wine and dine facility. Even the residents at GIFT City are not allowed. Say, if someone has a day’s work at one of the offices in GIFT City, the person will have to be recognised by the employer or the authorised employee and only then the person can avail the ‘wine and dine’ facility,” he added.