Having tightened the noose around liquor laws in 2016, the Gujarat state government is now geared up to play it up in a stricter way. Permits for about 42,000 liquor permits were suspended after being allowed on health grounds this year, the prohibition department is set to recommend de-addiction in lieu of fresh guidelines which is likely to be announced in the next few weeks.
As per new laws, 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 center 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 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.