To re-issue liquor permit, Gujarat makes ‘rehab’ a must

AHMEDABAD: Having tightened liquor laws in 2016, the Gujarat state government is now readying to play a strict parent. After suspending issuance and renewal of about 42,000 liquor permits allowed on health grounds in March this year, the prohibition department is set to recommend de-addiction in the fresh guidelines likely to be announced in the next few weeks.

As per the new rules, applicants seeking third renewal will have to undergo a 15 day long treatment to quit drinking.

“The move is aimed at deterring people from seeking permit on false health grounds. Permit will be renewed only if a de-addiction centre certifies that the applicant cannot do without alcohol,” said a senior prohibition officer.

A five-fold hike in the permit fee — from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000 — has also been proposed. The last fee hike was effected in 1999 when the charges were raised from a Rs 100 to Rs 1,000.

As per the existing laws, district civil surgeon is the sole authority to issue medical certificate for granting liquor permits on health grounds that cover 14 illnesses. “We now propose to have six new zones for medical checkups in Ahmedabad, Vadodara, Rajkot, Surat, Gandhinagar and Bhavnagar.

In each zone, a three-doctor committee headed by regional medical director will be formed to approve applications,” said a senior state home department officer.

It needs mention that health liquor permits constitute 60% of about 70,000 permits granted in Gujarat. Permits granted to visitors, tourist (foreign) groups and ex-army men are some of the other categories under which licence to drink is issued.

Prohibition department officers said the draft notification for new guidelines has been sent to the home department on Wednesday. “The home department would forward it to the legal department for vetting. The procedure is expected to take at least 15 days,” said a senior government officer.

State home minister Pradipsinh Jadeja said: "The draft has not reached my office. However, we are hopeful of issuing the new guidelines shortly."