Stress & Insomnia? why liquor health permits are surging in dry Gujarat

Ahmedabad | Gujarat — : Gujarat, which is the home state of Mahatma Gandhi, a surprising trend is emerging. While Gujarat remains India’s most prominent “dry state,” the number of citizens seeking legal “health permits” to consume alcohol is climbing to new heights.

At a time when the Gujarat government recently relaxed rules for GIFT City (Gujarat International Finance Tec-City), allowing “wine and dine” facilities to attract domestic and global investors, the number of people applying for liquor health permits in Ahmedabad city too has gone up significantly. Especially for these permits, which are given on the basis of health  problems like insomnia and mental stress, 3,643 applications have been approved so far in the year 2025.

It is worth mentioning that in 2024, a total of 3,499 applications were approved, while this year 144 more applications have been received. This clearly suggests that  there is an increase in the number of people wanting to get liquor health permits.

Gujarat is India’s longest-running “dry state,” a status it has maintained since its formation in 1960. This policy is deeply rooted in the ideology of Mahatma Gandhi, who was born in Gujarat and championed alcohol abstinence as a pillar of ethical and social reform. Legally governed by the Gujarat Prohibition Act (formerly the Bombay Prohibition Act of 1949), the state strictly prohibits the manufacture, sale, and consumption of alcohol. 

While the law aims to reduce domestic violence, improve public health, and preserve traditional values, it creates a unique socio-economic paradox. On one hand, the state forgoes billions in excise revenue—estimated at over ₹16,000 crore annually—while on the other, it manages a complex system of liquor permits for tourists, NRIs, and individuals with specific medical needs.

Despite the increase in liquor permit fees, there is no decrease in applications

The government has also increased the permit fee. Earlier, Rs.20,000 were charged for a new liquor health permit, which has now been increased to Rs.25,000. Similarly, the fee for renewal permits has also been increased from Rs.14,000 to Rs.20,000. Despite the increase in the fee, there has been no decrease in the number of applications.

Applications of 3,408 men and 235 women approved

Ahmedabad has seen a significant increase in the number of new applications. While only 290 new applications were approved in the year 2024, this number has increased to 897 in the year 2025. If we look at the data, out of the 3,643 applications approved in 2025, 3,408 were men and 235 were women. While out of the 3,499 applications approved in 2024, 3,280 were men and 219 were women.

People suffering from insomnia and stress can apply

According to government rules, people suffering from medical problems like insomnia and mental stress can apply for a liquor health permit. The applicant first has to apply to the Prohibition Department and then undergo a medical examination at the Civil Hospital.