The Gujarat Government has issued liquor licenses to 28 hotels in Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts over the past two years. This information was shared in a written response during the state legislature’s Question Hour on Monday.

According to the statement, 20 of these licensed hotels are located within Ahmedabad city, while four are in Gandhinagar. Additionally, two hotels in Ahmedabad district and two in Gandhinagar district have received similar permissions.

The government did not disclose the names of these establishments but referred to its 2023 policy revision, which permits employees and authorised visitors of GIFT City, Gandhinagar, to consume alcohol in designated “wine and dine” areas within licensed hotels, restaurants, and clubs. While Gujarat remains a dry state, these controlled exemptions allow restricted alcohol consumption under specific conditions.

Meanwhile, the state has seen a notable 35% increase in liquor tax revenue over the past two years. Official data shows that between February 2023 and January 2024, Gujarat earned ₹14.45 crore from liquor sales, a figure that rose to ₹19.53 crore between February 2024 and January 2025.

Currently, liquor can only be purchased from authorized vendors, including 77 establishments listed by the Prohibition and Excise Department. These vendors, primarily hotels, serve both domestic and international liquor brands to eligible patrons.