Alcohol ban eased so nobody has a reason to not come: GIFT City MD

Ray said, “For the financial services centres, there is a lot of competition worldwide. When GIFT City competes with Dubai, Singapore, and London, if you stay low (on facilities), the financial services won’t come here. So, it has been relaxed to ensure that nobody has a reason not to come to GIFT City.” “But it has been relaxed in a very limited manner in which only those who work there will get the relaxation. With that, only those visitors who come from outside for work will get (the relaxation),” he added. On starting the wine and dining facility at GIFT City, Ray said that a panel under the leadership of the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) has been formed that will give licences to agencies after which it (wine and dining service) will begin soon.

The Gujarat Prohibition and Excise Department on December 22 announced the relaxation of the Prohibition Act in GIFT City. The state government issued a notification, on effecting the new provision. This week, another notification came up, declaring the GIFT Facilitation Committee that will be in charge of the implementation.