Gujarat prohibition department launches online liquor permit

Ahmedabad | Gujarat :  In a significant step towards digital governance, the Gujarat Prohibition and Excise Department has announced that liquor permits will now be available online, eliminating the need for applicants to physically visit department offices. The initiative, launched through the e-Prohibition Payment Portal (http://eps.gujarat.gov.in), is being rolled out in phases, starting with the Tourist Permit and Ethanol Permit.

Until now, citizens had to undergo a lengthy offline process and personally visit government offices to obtain liquor-related permits. With this reform, the entire application, verification, and payment process will now be handled online. Applicants will only need to create a login ID, upload necessary documents, fill in details, and pay the prescribed fees digitally.

Speaking on the development, a senior official of the Prohibition Department said,“We are committed to providing transparent, efficient, and hassle-free services to citizens. By introducing online liquor permits, we are not only saving people’s time but also ensuring better monitoring and accountability.”

50,000 Licenses Issued Annually

According to the department’s estimates, nearly 50,000 licenses across different categories are issued every year in Gujarat. By moving the permit system online, the government aims to streamline this process and reduce the scope of middlemen, delays, and paperwork.

The department has outlined a five-phase implementation plan under which most categories of liquor permits will be shifted online by the end of this year.

Faster Processing, Strict Timeline

All online applications received will be processed within 10 days, making the system significantly faster compared to the traditional offline procedure. Officials have also confirmed that applicants will be kept informed of their application status through the online portal itself.

An applicant, welcoming the move, said,“Earlier, we had to stand in long queues, submit physical forms, and wait weeks for approval. This new online system is a major relief and reflects the government’s focus on digital transformation.”

Boost to Digital Governance

The launch of the online permit system follows Gujarat’s broader vision of leveraging technology for governance under its Digital Gujarat initiative. By introducing e-permits, the government expects not only to ease public convenience but also to strengthen record-keeping and prevent misuse.

Officials further added that as the next phases roll out, citizens will be able to apply for almost all categories of liquor permits online, ensuring that by December 2025, Gujarat will have a completely digital permit system.