Ahmedabad Sees Dramatic 227% Rise in Liquor Permit Applications
The Gujarat government disclosed significant data on liquor permit applications in Ahmedabad during a recent assembly session, revealing a staggering year-on-year increase. In response to a query from Congress MLA Imran Khedawala, officials provided a written statement detailing the numbers for two consecutive periods.
Sharp Increase in Application Numbers
According to the government's statement, between January 21, 2024, and January 20, 2025, a total of 292 new applications for liquor permits were submitted in Ahmedabad. However, in the following year from January 21, 2025, to January 20, 2026, this figure skyrocketed to 956 applications, marking a dramatic 227% increase.
Rejection Rates Show Notable Change
The data also highlighted a shift in the rejection rates for these applications. During the first period from January 2024 to January 2025, 29 applications were rejected by the authorities. In contrast, between January 2025 and January 2026, no applications were rejected, indicating a possible change in processing or criteria.
The information was presented in the assembly on Monday, shedding light on the growing demand for liquor permits in Ahmedabad. This surge comes amid Gujarat's strict alcohol policies, where permits are required for legal consumption, making the increase particularly noteworthy for policymakers and residents alike.
