Prohibition's Paradox: Gujarat's Rs 33.98 Crore Liquid Loophole

In a surprising twist for the usually 'dry' state of Gujarat, the government has announced a noteworthy revenue boost from liquor sales. Over the last two years, the state has raked in Rs 33.98 crore in taxes from alcohol sold at 28 hotels across Ahmedabad and Gandhinagar districts. This information surfaced during the ongoing Budget Session's Question Hour, where Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel explained that 22 hotels in Ahmedabad and six in Gandhinagar are licensed to sell liquor. Even with Gujarat's strict prohibition laws, the state managed to collect Rs 14.45 crore in 2023 and Rs 19.53 crore in 2024 from these hotel liquor sales. Interestingly, no permits were taken away during this time, showcasing the state's careful management of alcohol sales.

 

Source: Times of India