When backpacking in India, I decided to visit the country’s strictest “dry province”, that is to say, “alcohol free province”, the north western province of Gujarat which borders Pakistan. My reasons for visiting Gujarat dated back to a Michael Palin documentary where I remember Palin had to fill in a certificate or document to collect alcohol. But also because Gujarat, is Gandhi Land. Mahatma Gandhi was born in the town of Porbandar in the west of Gujarat State. I based myself at the Hotel Formule 1 in Ahmedabad. But before that, I applied online for the alcohol permit.
I remembered how cool it was to drink alcohol in Iraq, to get a permit to bring alcohol into Brunei and to have a few sneaky beers while backpacking in Bahrain. So a night on the rip in Ahmedabad beckoned, with a difference.
Michael Palin-esque, I got the train from Mumbai into the Gujarat Province and I ended up in the city of Ahmedabad, the former capital of this province and a city which has a total of eleven places where foreigners can buy alcohol.
Alcohol Laws in Gujarat, India
Gujarat is the strictest of Provinces for alcohol in India. It is still the only Indian state with a death penalty for makers and sellers of homemade liquor. This legislation is titled the Bombay Prohibition (Gujarat Amendment) Bill, 2009. Scary stuff – yes a death penalty for makers and sellers of alcohol, ouch.
There are other parts of India that also ban alcohol, but Gujarat remains the strictest beast. Nagaland and parts of Manipur as well as in the Union Territory of Lakshadweep also ban alcohol, but not with a death penalty. The State of Kerala has been implementing prohibition in a phased manner since 2014. Bihar has announced a ban on alcohol sale starting 1 April 2016. All other Indian states and union territories permit the sale of alcohol and it’s widely available in New Delhi and Mumbai, and especially in “Hippy Goa bruv”.
How to Apply for a Permit to Drink Alcohol in Gujarat Province?
You can now apply for your permit to drink alcohol in Gujarat Province online, just go to this link and follow my guide. You will need to fill in all the forms and frustratingly upload four images, all of which must be resized to be less than 200KB. This took me ages to re-size the images.
The four images you need are:
1.An image of your face – i.e. a passport photo.
2.An image of your passport’s photo page – take a photo of it.
3.An image of your train, bus or flight ticket into Gujarat Province. I came by train, so used my train ticket – take a photo of it.
4.An image of a receipt that proves you are staying in a hotel. Ask your hotel for this – there are no real hostels in Ahmedabad. I will try to mention in another article sometime, that booking a hotel in Ahmedabad is not an easy thing and thanks to being a travel blogger, this was made easier for me by my welcome at the Hotel Formule 1 in Ahmedabad. You don’t need an image of your Indian visa which I found odd.
Once you have all that uploaded on the website, submit your form online and they will immediately issue you with a permit which still says “pending”. This is because you need to print out this form and take it to a licensed venue to get your actual stamped permit. The officials working there need to confirm it all anyway, this is just an online document. You are told:
- Permit approval is subjected to physical verification of required documents.
- Please carry your permit at the authorized wine shop To See the List of Permit Centres of Gujarat. Click Here
- Designated authorities will sign and stamp your permit after physical verification of your uploaded documents.
- Official Timings are: 12:00PM to 8:00PM.
Where can you buy Alcohol in Ahmedabad?
As of March 2016, there were only 9 outlets in Ahmedabad which sell alcohol to permit holders. They are:
1 Cama Hotels Ltd. Khanpur Road, Ahmedabad Ahmedabad
2 Hotel Inder Residency Behind Madhuvan Tower, Madalpur, Ellisbridge, Ahmedabad Ahmedabad
3 Rivera Hotel’s Pvt. Ltd. Bhavan’s College Road, Khanpur, Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad
4 Hotel President C. G. Road, Opp. Muni. Market, Navrangpura, Ahmedabad. Ahmedabad
5 Royal Menor Hotel’s Ind. Ltd. Airport Char Rasta, Hansol, Ahmedabd Ahmedabad
6 St Laurn Hotel’s Ltd 15-Ashram Road,Juna wadaj,Ahmedabad Ahmedabad
7 The Grand Bhagawati sakhej-Gandhinagar Road, Bodakdev, Ahmedabad Ahmedabad
8 PACIFICA HOTELS (AHMEDABAD PROJECT) PVT. LTD., Courtyard By Marriott, 86/2/6, Ramdevnagar Cross Road, Near Satellite Police Station, Ahmedabad
9 THE METROPOLE HOTEL (Unit of Majestic Projects Pvt. Ltd.) NEAR RTO CIRCLE, SUBHASH BRIDGE CORNER,AHMEDABAD Ahmedabad.
I got mine in the Grand Bhagwati Hotel, Ahmedabad.
So that’s it – You Can Now Buy Alcohol in Gujarat State?
No. Definitely not! This turned out to be harder than I expected. Despite filling in the online permit and having this document, I still had to go to the hotel to get my actual permit. The strange thing is, I may as well not have bothered doing this online application! However I thought I’d write the post for you all so you can see how to apply for the permit online. When you get to a Licensed Venue, you have to basically start the application from scratch anyway! But don’t sweat, you’ll get your permit no problem, just head to this article on how to get your alcohol permit at the Grand Bhagwati Hotel in Ahmedabad!
Hey Jonny
I went to Kota Bharu last year (near the Thai Border) and it has a population of 95% Muslims. So the only places I could have a beer was at Chinese Street food restaurants that serve up tall bottles of Tiger beer.
I never bothered bringing Alcohol into Brunei in 2015 as I had to show my life-saving medicines to a guy with a badge and a gun on the border. Glad I didn’t need a permit for that.
What’s the point of having an online application process if you have to fill out an application form from scratch at the designated locations, anyway? Man, they really don’t want tourists drinking in this state. Do they? Crazy.
Hey Martin, that sounds like a cool thing to do for sure. Never heard of Kota Bharu, might be worth a jaunt sometime. Wow – Brunei was an easy option when I was there – bought my booze in Labuan. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Ray, yes it’s a bit odd. I didn’t hear about anyone using the online permit, and it hasn’t really been covered by travel bloggers before so I wanted to make sure I tried both methods to ensure I could write about it and help others. I’m glad that I found out the online one was not important. It’s Gandhi’s state and it also borders dry Pakistan, so I’m not surprised it’s alcohol free, but it was still nice to have a beer there. Safe travels. Jonny
Liquor permit? What permit for so called a “strictest dry state” where millions of litres of foreign brand liquors are being sold and consumed unofficially!!
This is a beyond jokes and for the state they are loosing revenue in process.
Wake up the administrators. It is about time to bring the changes. OR at least make life easier for the tourist with foreign passport holders. Majority, if not hundred percent of them are not criminals.
Make the application simpler and carry the passport identity with it while traveling/staying in Gujarat. That should be good enough.
Lallubhai Patel UK
Hi Lallubhai J Patel, as a tourist I totally respect the liquor permit idea and I actually enjoy the process of trying to get one sorted. I see it as an adventure. Best wishes and safe travels. Jonny
Hello if my parents are staying at their parents home address. how would we provide proof of address?
Hi Mrs Patel – it’s fine – just put that address down. I made up an address! Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jonny,
I am travelling to Surat on 20th Dec. I have applied for liquor permit and document is with me.
Now where i have present this document? Any of the 35 shops listed in the site? Or is there any specific centres for that? Please advice.
Mathew
After stamped and signed on e permit by authorities, can we purchase alcohol from outside of Gujarat.. Like Daman or Mumbai???
Hi Mathe, thanks for the comment and I hope you have a safe trip to Surat, all the information is here: . https://dontstopliving.net/how-to-get-an-alcohol-permit-at-the-grand-bhagwati-hotel-in-ahmedabad-gujarat-state-india/ Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Yatin, thanks for the comment. I am not sure about those two regions in India as they all have their own laws. Mumbai has plenty of bars and alcohol licensed venues anyway and I didn’t visit Daman. This article refers to Gujarat only. Safe travels. Jonny
i have my photo uploaded onto my laptop, how do i reduce it to 200kb
Can i just turn up to any of these places with my passport, my eticket and get a permit. Thanks
Hi Sunil, thanks for the comment. Just follow the guide in my post and you can get the permit. Make sure you have everything they ask for, more than just 3 things though so research in advance and good luck. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Sunil, Thanks for the comment. I can’t help you with that – this was just a guide to getting the online permit! Safe travels and good luck. Jonny
No Yatin. With the permit, you are allowed to buy liquor only from licensed shops within Gujarat. You cannot buy it from outside and carry into Gujarat
Hi Siddarth, thanks for the update and safe travels. Jonny
Are you a nut case to advertise for this stupid web site? I am looking for options for applying on line for bloody permit but nothing there except your experience and life. Who wants to know about your experience? Why there
All rubbish on this sitte except an answer for application? I hope you stop cheating and wasting time.
Hey Jonny, your information has been very valuable and easy to follow – so THANK YOU!
Just one thing, it does not ask for photo (passport photo) to be uploaded, or did I miss a step. I now have the permit (just like your one) but without the photo – I guess ill have to take along photos when I get the permit verified. Or have I completed this incorrectly. Many thanks Raj
Hi, what about the approximate prices of the beer at approved locations, highly inflated due to restrictions or normal rates?
Hi Krank, as mentioned in my other posts, the alcohol in Gujarat was not totally dear – easily affordable even for a tight assed backpacker. Safe travels. Jonny
Mr. Blair,
The enforcement policies are definitely changing with time and technology. Gujarat is dry state and many other states are following the footsteps. Your experience is valuable for others including Gujaratis (it’s funny), but it’s more educational to all. Thanks for your blog on it.
Note:
1. They do not give permit on ticket which do not contain tourist name on ticket.
2. They do not give permit on BUS ticket which has name written by pen. Some travel company has bill printed ticket on which they write tourist name while issue ticket. TGB and Ramada do not give permit on this kind of ticket.. They want computer printed tourist name on ticket.
My permit rejected with above both reason and now waiting for 3rd time rejection with some other reason. TGB (the grand bhagwait and Ramada both has rejected my online permit).
Hi SS Chavda – sounds like a fake name and address! This website is my website of my travels, so I can do what I want with it. I don’t criticise you, your journey or your website and considering I suffer from depression and suicidal thoughts, you’d be better to keep your opinions to yourself. If I kill myself and blame you – I hope your parents and friends see what you have done to me. Safe travels. Jonny
After applying for d permit online. Can I carry 750 ml for my personal use
Hi Bharat yes of course as long as it is within the date of the permit and you don’t break the rules on the permit. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Mahendrasingh, thanks for the comment and apologies for late reply. I have stopped blogging here since December to concentrate on fixing my depression. I hope you all get your permit sorted. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Nilesh, thanks for the comment and apologies for late reply. I have stopped blogging here since December to concentrate on fixing my depression. I hope you all get your permit sorted. Safe travels. Jonny
the issue of liquor permit to non-resident Indian passport holders are not issued / refused. The NRI of Gujarat needs this permit. Can someone suggest as is that is the law in force now or some office in India / official website issues such permits on verification of documents.
Hi Jonny, can pls direct me with liquor permit. I have applied , received permit number and printed the sheet. However the permit says “pending status” and payment mode says “offline”. Please guide me is it valid permit and also is it free or do I need to reapply and do payment?
Must appreciate and thanks in advance
Hi Kamini, I don’t actually work for them I am just a tourist like you, and a travel writer who wants others to explore the world. This was a good and happy time for me. I wish you a safe and happy trip. Jonny
Hi Vijay, as stated, I am only a tourist and travel writer and have no authority on this, please check the correct channels. Safe travels. Jonny
For travellers who intend to stay in Gujarat for more than one month I want to share my experience with getting a subsequent permit. As per the information of the liquor shop/permit agent in Dahej there is no way to get a second permit after the first one-month permit has expired. The crucial date is the date of entry into India (Gujarat), which they easily see from the passport. You have to apply for the permit within 4 weeks after entry otherwise the permit will be refused. The tourist permit can only be issued for one month, so if you want to stay longer in Gujarat you should consider to stay dry for the first week(s) and apply for the permit later. For holder of business or employment visa (6 months or longer) there is a possibilty to ask for a long-term permit at the excise office of the district. I haven’t done that yet so I cannot give any information how or if that will work.
For the tourist permit you just need to show passport, passport copy, letter from the hotel or employer stating temporary address, no photos needed.
Hi Raj, thanks for the comment. When I applied in March 2016, I needed a photo – perhaps things have changed since then. I hope you get sorted and enjoy your time in Gujarat. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Martin, thanks for the comment and update. I was only in this province for a few days so literally just needed a quick carryout, I can imagine others linger longer and may need month long, or even longer permits. Good luck and safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jonny
Hope you are fine and planning another travel. Be positive….be happy.
Hi Anil. Thanks for the comment. Sadly I am not fine, struggling with depression, trying to keep myself alive. Best wishes. Jonny
Hi Jonny,
You shared good travel experience.
Your blogs will be helpful to lot of people.
Overcome depression you surely can.
All best!
Hi Rajiv, thanks for the comment and support. I hope so. Regards, Jonny
I uploaded my documents voter id, driving licence, train tickit, temporary address but temporary address not showing in the permit, will they approve my permit or not.
Hi Guys,
I have applied for online e permit, but I am not getting any verification code.
what should I do now?
Hi Sunil. Go to church and pray you get it. That would be my tip! If not, head to the Grand Bhagwati Hotel like I did. Safe travels, Jonny
Hi Jonny
Trying to upload my passport for the liquor permit online application but for some reason when I take a picture of my passport and click submit I just get a message saying please upload passport.
Any tips on getting through this
Hi Vishal, I am not sure about that – contact them on email to check it or just wait until you backpack it to Gujarat and do what I did by getting your permit there. Safe travels. Jonny
I need alcohole permit in gujrat how can i do??
Sp Bodar, are you serious? Read my post, follow my ideas and get the permit! Safe travels. Jonny
Hey Jonny,
Trust you doing better. First of all, excellent post. Very detailed and perhaps the only one with such information. Not even official sites has details and queries answered.
So, asking this question because it wasn’t mentioned in the article or questions. The online permit as you mentioned is ‘Pending Verification’ till we visit a physical permit shop. So, can one carry alcohol (like duty free or 750 ml for personal consumption) with the e-permit? Or Did you bring alcohol to Gujarat through railway station with ePermit – Pending physical verification?
Thanks & Take Care.
Cheers,
Delinkx
Hey plz suggest me I am banker I am gov servent I am not state gov employees I am central gov employees here . Can I get liquor Permit ? Bcoz I Am not belong to Gujarat I residence of Rajasthan
I am work here and my job is transferable job I not local identity proof like aadhar ……… of Gujarat residence no property here
Hi Arun, thanks for the comment. In March 2016 when I whackpacked Gujarat, yes, I could get one and so could you but these days, I don’t know if the laws have changed or not. Best wishes. Jonny
Hi Delinx, thanks for the comment. In March 2016 when I whackpacked Gujarat, yes, I could bring alcohol in with me without being checked and so could you but these days, I don’t know if the laws have changed or not. There were no border checks. But don’t drink it in public. The fact was, I didn’t want to bring any alcohol in with me, I wanted to go through the process of getting the permit, buying it and drinking it. Best wishes. Jonny
Hi Sumit, as I mentioned, I am just a tourist like you also so I cannot help you – you will need to contact the embassies and issuers of these permits. Best of luck, safe travels. Jonny
I would like to have. Alcohol permit. For. Gujrwt. For six months. From. U k
How do I get. Forms. To get. I tried Indian. Embassy. But not joy
Hi Bhupendra, thanks for the comment. You checked my posts right? This is not about Indian visas or embassy! This is a Gujarat Province alcohol permit! You get it in Gujarat province when you arrive, or you order it in advance on the internet and hope it works (unlike for us – ours didn’t work so we had to go to the Bhagwhati Hotel to get them. Good luck and Safe travels, Jonny
Hi, how much is it for the liquor permit by the way ?
Thanks
Hi Jackie, thanks for the comment, as mentioned on this article and on my other articles, the permit itself is realistically free, though if you print it, you might have to pay for your printing and for the photo, but for me I had all that already so I classed it as free. This was in February 2016 so the situation may also have changed since then. Safe travels. Jonny
Nice blog Jonny,
I am a resident of Gujarat & there is no death penalty in case you buy or sell unofficial/ homemade liquor, of course you can be imprisoned for few days if you buy & for few years if you sale.. After you visited Gujarat, Government opened around 20 more shops in other cities including Ahmadabad.
Good Luck
Hi Gautam thanks for the comment and update. It sounds like the laws have made it easier now since I backpacked Gujarat in February/March 2016. Safe travels. Jonny
Thanks Jonny ! Great blog btw.
Hi Jackie, thanks and safe travels. Jonny
Jonny,
I am a Mumbai born Gujrati living in USA. I loved your article and and your attitude about the whole thing. The alcohol permit thingie is childish and fun.
BTW, there is more alcohol consumed by the ‘dry’ Gujratis than most ‘wet’ states of India. One can easily purchase both foreign and domestic beer, scotch, vodka (good wine is tough to find) in Gujrat, that to home delivered. Just don’t do it in public and don’t be nuisance(drunk), no one bothers you.
The ‘death’ penalty thing is complete non-sense, it is only done to prevent criminals brewing cheap and dangerous moonshines that is generally consumed by poor., causing death and blindness due to Methanol poisoning.
Hi
I am in Canada. I have PR card (Permanent Resident) of Canada, but Indian passport. I am basically from Ahmedabad, Gujarat. I am coming to India after 2-years in this December for 5-months.
Can I eligible for Liquor permit ?
Thanks
Hi Jonny, is the permit only for one who obtained it?? Can he offer a drink to some, maybe just for company. Does the rules cover anything on this subject??
Hi Nit, I am not 100% sure but there were two of us so we got a permit each. Yes, I think it is only for that person. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jonny,
Great blog and the information is very useful to so many people, nice job! Hope you are over your battle with depression, and travelling is no doubt the best way to cope with it.
I am a UK national, and will be staying with relatives in Gujarat so I am stuck on how to provide “Temporary Residence Proof in Gujarat” since I wont be staying in a hotel, any advise would be much appreciated, thanks.
Hi Dharmesh, thanks for checking out my blog and enjoying Gujarat, depression is tough – caused by nasty liars and wannabe GuruGods. I didn’t live in Gujarat – just passed through in 4 days and got ,my permit sorted. Best wishes and safe travels. Jonny
Hi
I tried applying for the online application yesterday but I’m waiting for an email containing my user id to then log in and upload, it asked me to check my email account. How long did it take for the first email to get to you? Have I done something wrong?
Hi Pramodlad, as you probably read, I didn’t receive any emails and got my permit in person at the hotel Bagwhati in Ahmedabad and that is what I recommend. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi R Patel, Thanks for the comment! Of course you can – there is no restriction on who can apply!! As long as you are legally in India and are backpacking in Gujarat, you can apply for the licence. Best of luck and safe travels. Jonny
I am trying to apply but it doesn’t work. Any other way to get the permit.
Hi Jonny,
How did you get the password to log in to then upload. I have note received any email or text notifying me of any password and therefore unable to upload my documents. I stuck at this stage. Could you please advise?
Thanks,
Pops
Hi Sanj, yes of course – it also didn’t work for me online, hence why I went to the Bagwhati Hotel – did you not see that post? https://dontstopliving.net/how-to-get-an-alcohol-permit-at-the-grand-bhagwati-hotel-in-ahmedabad-gujarat-state-india/ As you can tell, I also failed online and at the Marriott!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ineS686pj20 So Good Luck!!! Jonny
Hi Pramod, yes of course – it also didn’t work for me online, hence why I went to the Bagwhati Hotel – did you not see that post? https://dontstopliving.net/how-to-get-an-alcohol-permit-at-the-grand-bhagwati-hotel-in-ahmedabad-gujarat-state-india/ As you can tell, I also failed online and at the Marriott!! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ineS686pj20 So Good Luck!!! Jonny
hello. I cannot get my password to be reactivated. is there an email address to contact them?
Hi Minaxi, thanks for the comment. As I said, I didn’t get my permit online either – wait until you get into the country and go to the Hotel Baghwati to get it! https://dontstopliving.net/how-to-get-an-alcohol-permit-at-the-grand-bhagwati-hotel-in-ahmedabad-gujarat-state-india/ Safe travels Jonny
Hello there,
I am going to India and staying in Gujarat at my relative’s house. I am trying to get online e-permit for alcohol but i cant move forward. I put all my details and set up a account and after that trying to put my passport details and uploading the passport and my pictures and after that it is coming up that my passport number is already there and not moving forward. Can you help me with this please. Thanks Nimesh
Hi Nimesh, thanks for the comment but I feel like I am repeating myself here!! As I mentioned many times I DID not get the permit online – you get it in GUJARAT!!! I ended up going to the Hotel Bagwhati to get mine – you can read about that here – https://dontstopliving.net/how-to-get-an-alcohol-permit-at-the-grand-bhagwati-hotel-in-ahmedabad-gujarat-state-india/ Enjoy and safe travels. Jonny
Hi Kam, thanks for the comment and safe travels. Jonny
One can obtain liquor permit for tourist for one month free at the liquor shop in Gujarat India.
Hey Jonny,
thanks for sharing such a wonderful experience.
Good Job…
Hardik J…!
Renewal on Health permit is on hold.
Could not understand that why permit of Defence personnel is not getting renew.
Please revert.
Hi, There isn’t any death penalty for alcohol related offences. For People who create ruckus or harass others in an inebriated condition, will face a jail-term of up to three years, not less than one year. You can find details by visiting this link. https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/alcohol-ban-gujarat-govt-notifies-rules-for-new-prohibition-law/story-qBmx1OWQ6xWN0WpRtOvu9K.html
I visit Gujarat every year for 3 weeks and until a couple of years ago, you were able to get alcohol permit at mumbai airport. 5 min process. Now you have to go to mumbai central to do it so i don’t bother wasting time with that. I ask my local barber and he delivers liquor to my house . it may be 25-33% more expensive but you can save time and hassle. You can ask just about any cab or rickshaw driver and they can get liquor for you.
Gujarat liquor permit is a joke. We consume more alcohol in gujarat than many other states becuase we have most NRI. Gujarat is loosing millions in taxes. Gandhi is the worst thing that happened to india and unfortunately he was born in my state. He screwed up our country by giving in to british in dividing the country and then appointed Nehru as PM and we have been paying for that with corrupt Gandhi family ruling india since independence. Thank god for Modi whois bring back prosperity to india.
Good post. I’d been checking out regularly that blog site and i am motivated! Very useful information particularly the supreme part I personally maintain this sort of data a good deal. I’m seeking that facts for the period of time. Thank you plus best of luck.
why tourism India Toronto stop issuing Liquor permit for traveling to gujrat state.
I absolutely loved your response to ‘Chavda’ back in December 2016 ! Would you say it is easier to apply for the permit in person when in Gujarat ? I base this question on the extreme difficulty I experienced when trying to ‘resize and reformat’ photos/pictures to upload when applying for e-visa !!!
I need alcoholl parmit
Please
Hello Jonny, Well written blog for people you read it and ask questions. I very much hope you have recovered from this nasty bout of depression. Only one comment to add is make sure you have a fast internet to go through this process. The worst part is to resize the photo and passport page. 200kb is a joke with smart cameras taking 50mb photos. I am UK resident and travelling to India soon. Again swift recovery, lot let it control you.
Nanu
Hi Johny
Can I get E-permit 2 weeks before I travel to Gujarat?
I’m here. Doing that. The amount of people giving me anger mgmnt probs in order to crack a few beers is insane. Took me 3 trips to Surat city, an hour rickshaw ride soaked in ball sweat, just to find a Fu***g licenced dealer. Whence we did, I was told by many that all I needed was a passport, total fail. Had my e permit in the works, also had a barber in my wife’s village hooking me up with the local booze runner. A true indoam straight from an 80s disco style Hindi flick. Parted hair, cropped moustache, shirt tucked into flat pants, The works. But the barber was using me to get a commission, I hate getting ripped off, even though 100 roops works out to w
2cad . Which sent me on this journey. Twice in Surat I scored by asking cool dudes, like drivers or hipster types. Worked far better. My permit registration is done after a week of info gathering and collage cropping. I give up on permits. Fuck this beaurocratic shit storm, kids are dying in the streets, wake up stupids. Clean the fucking walkways. It stinks. Then tell me I can’t crack a brew.
Hi Jonny,hope you are feeling better now.
I will update your post here about recent experience in 2019 for obtaining the permit of alcohol in Ahmedabad, Gujarat. The entire process is now online and all the hotels (at, least the Umed right outside the airport), will print and verify your permit at the shop, no more paperwork filling.
For all Foreigners Passport, Ticket and Residence proof (Hotels have special letterhead for providing proof) are only needed to get the permit.
For all Indians on permanent residency have to bring their PR proof along with other documents.
OCI Holders need to bring the OCI Booklet for visa status. I was told to come back every 2 weeks to get 2 units renewed for I believe 4 weeks that I was to stay.
Hope this helps. Safe Travels everyone.
Hi Hardick (is it rock hard willy?!), Thanks for the comment and sorry for late reply. I was in deep depression caused by lies. Fake name you used I think Jonny
Hi Vyas, yes one can!! Wacaday. Jonny
Hiya,
thanks for this blog, read through some of the comments, I hope you are doing well now. Did you have to pay again when you filled in the paper form or that was just one-time payment?
Cheers
BTW- Hardik is an Indian name….not a fake one
Helpful and Informative content. Thanks for sharing it with us.
Hi Rock and Storm thanks for the comment even though you used a fake name. Safe travels to Gujarat! Jonny
Thanks Johny,
I am born and brought up in India but your guide helps me twice in my 2 visits to Gujarat to get a liquor license.
If You visit Gujarat then you required permit to buy alcohol
buying alcohol at first place you have to saw same document that you upload online for save time otherwise they fill all info online and upload document for you which take long time.
Required Document Like (1) Foreign nationality Passport (2) Travel Itinerary ( by air, Ship,Etc) (3) Address proof where you live in Gujarat ( hotel, Lodge, Resort Etc.) and Print of Alcohol Permit
If you have this document handy then just buy what ever brand of alcohol you like or available and pay bill and you can use alcohol in all over the Gujarat during your stay. they stamped your permit and make it valid for month.
when you travel keep stamped permit and alcohol and all document with you all the time. you can buy 2 bottle of whisky(2x750ml or 2×1 liter) or equivalent beer( may be 13x500ml), vodka Etc. every 10 days.
when you go to buy alcohol second time any where just saw stamped permit that’s it and thy sale you alcohol
In 2018 huge increase in sales tax on Alcohol by government there is no more queue found and very easy and fast. I mostly use to buy in Surat ( Hotel Oasis, Varachha road) very close to Railway station. special ride by three wheeler by meter charge you probably RS 25
I try to give as much info as possible, I hope will help foreign Nation tourist well.
Thanks
Mahip
I want to procure Alcohol for industrial use in our MNC. What is process take permit from gujarat gov. for procure alcohol.
Hi Path, Thanks for the comment. Safe travels. Jonny
Hello I like to apply for permit as am going India Gujarat and like to take alcohol with me for friends as gift am uk residential so how can I applied on line please can anyone advice thanks
Hi Jonny ,
I have to carry two bottles with me from USA .I do have offline payment options .Online seems not working ?
Can I carry?
i went online to apply for the permit. i filled out the form and it tells the password has been sent to my email but nothing shows up on my email. When i go back to re enter it tells me i am already registered. i don’t have the password to login. i press the reset password and it again tells me it sent the password to my email and nothing shows up. How can i solve this problem. Does any one has answer for this.
any help would be appreciated.
thank you
Hi Bharat, thanks for the comment and update. Safe travels. Jonny
Yes Mate, That’s possible if you are a visitor or tourist in Gujarat. If you living in Gujarat or Belongs to anywhere in Gujarat you can not get Liquor Licence.
To get a Liquor license you can online fill up a form and complete some verification. To get more detail please have a look at the below Video. this video explains all about how to get legally Liquor in Ahmadabad or all over Gujarat for Visitors and tourists.
https://youtu.be/w3RkOfMTU-w
Hi Vishar, thanks for the comment. I am happy that you enjoyed my post, Yes I was already in Gujarat as you can see and enjoyed being on the rip. Best wishes. Jonny
Hi Rajendra, thanks for the comment, and update on the situtaion in Gujarat. Safe travels. Jonny
Hi Jay, thanks for the comments and updated information on the Gujarat permit. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Babu, Thanks for the comment and sorry for the delayed response – I have been struggling with deep depression the last few years and wasn’t checking comments. Good luck backpacking Gujarat – safe travels. Jonny
Hi Wine Garden. Thanks for the comment. Apologies for the delay. I have been going through depression and only checking through my old comments and messages now. Glad you enjoyed it. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Jethwa, thanks for the comment and sorry for the delay. I was suffering from depression and only now I am checking all comments, meesages and blog emails. Thanks for checking out my articles on Gujarat and good luck applying for and getting the permit. Stay safe, Jonny
Hi Praful, thanks for the comment and apologies for my delay. Unfortunately I have been suffering from depression caused by a liar and have not been checking my comments, messages and emails much. Yes it is much easier to apply in person as I did. The resizing and emails and online application is a nightmare. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Mullmit, thanks for the comment. I was offline for a long time due to depression. In English, it sounds rude – “hard dick” seems like a joke from “hardik”, which is an erect willy! But thanks for update. Stay safe, Jonny
Hi Nanu, Thanks for the comment and for checking out my article. Apologies for the delay – I haven’t been checking my website comments and messages for a while due to depression. The black cloud of depression hangs over me everyday. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Raz, Thanks for the comment and I am extremely sorry for the huge delay in replying to you. I have been going through problems with depression and wasn’t checking the comments or messages that much. That sounds like an ordeal – I hope things worked out for you in the end in Gujarat, Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Bobby, Thanks for the comment and I am extremely sorry for the huge delay in replying to you. I have been going through problems with depression and wasn’t checking the comments or messages that much. I was in Gujarat in 2016, so not really so useful to ask as things may have changed. As I remember, the permit lasts for a few days, so getting it in advance should be okay as long as you check when it expires. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Binny,
Thanks for the comment. I apologise for the late reply but I have been going through depression the last few years. This was not my fault – it was caused by a liar I met and due to that, I have not been checking comments and messages as often. This is good updated information about the Alcohol Permit for Gujarat. I also have to say that I was there in 2016, so for sure things will have changed since then and even more after the current Coronavirus Crisis. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Kritika, Thanks for the comment and for checking my website. Apologies for the delay in response. Unfortunately I have been suffering from long-term depression caused by a liar and I wasn’t checking all comments and messages or replying. I hope you enjoyed my article. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Mahip, Thanks for the comment and for checking my website. Apologies for the delay in response. Unfortunately I have been suffering from long-term depression caused by a liar and I wasn’t checking all comments and messages or replying. I hope you enjoyed my article. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Jayshree, Thanks for the comment and for checking my website. Apologies for the delay in response. Unfortunately I have been suffering from long-term depression caused by a liar and I wasn’t checking all comments and messages or replying. I hope you enjoyed my article on Gujarat. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Andy, Thanks for the comment. You cannot legally bring alcohol INTO Gujarat. You go there without it, and you get a permit there, and then you buy it there. It explains it in detail above. Stay safe. Jonny
Hi Jayu, Thanks for the comment. As I wrote, I was there in 2016 so things might have changed. Good luck getting your permit. Stay safe. Jonny
I have already an account. I forgot my email id. phone number, password. I have a passport number. how can I renew my permit, I am a tourist out of India i have Gujarat e-permit but I have no permit number. I don’t have account information.how can I renew my permit.
thanks…
Hi Usha, Please get in touch with local authorities in Gujarat – I am only a tourist and travel writer. Safe travels to Gujarat. Jonny
I have already an account filled out with Basic Detail, Verify Identity, and uploaded the Documents and it says pending when I try to print the form it gives me an Error No Payment Detail Found i am not sure where to go for a payment Tab
Thanks
Mike Patel
Hi Mike, I hope you got it sorted – yeah it was a tricky process but I got there eventually and backpacked Gujarat. Safe travels. Jonny