1. What Is an Off Licence Shop?
An off licence shop in the UK is a retail business licensed to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption off the premises. Unlike pubs or bars (where alcohol is consumed on-site), off licences sell alcohol for customers to take away.
2. What Do Off Licence Shops Sell?
While their main feature is alcohol, most off licence shops also stock:
- Beer, wine, and spirits
- Soft drinks and mixers
- Cigarettes and tobacco (with restrictions)
- Snacks, confectionery, and convenience foods
- Newspapers, household goods, and lottery tickets
3. Licensing Requirements for Off Licence Shops
To operate legally, an off licence shop must:
- Apply for a Premises Licence from the local council.
- Have a Designated Premises Supervisor (DPS) holding a Personal Licence.
- Ensure staff are trained in the legal sale of alcohol.
Licences are regulated by the Licensing Act 2003.
4. Restrictions on Off Licence Shops
- Alcohol cannot be sold to anyone under 18 years old.
- Shops must follow permitted opening hours stated in their licence.
- Illegal sales (such as selling to intoxicated people) can lead to fines or licence revocation.
- Shops must display clear signs about age restrictions (Challenge 25 policy is common).
5. Differences Between Off Licence and On Licence
- Off licence: Alcohol sold for consumption away from the premises (shops, supermarkets, convenience stores).
- On licence: Alcohol consumed on the premises (pubs, bars, restaurants).
- Some venues hold a dual licence, allowing both.
6. Benefits of Running an Off Licence Shop
- Steady demand for alcohol and convenience goods.
- Opportunity to serve local communities.
- Potential to expand with late-night licences.
- High-margin products like snacks and tobacco boost profits.
7. Challenges of Running an Off Licence Shop
- Strict compliance with licensing laws.
- Competition from supermarkets and large chains.
- Responsibility for preventing underage or illegal sales.
- Need for security to prevent theft and antisocial behaviour.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is an off licence shop in simple terms?
It’s a shop licensed to sell alcohol for customers to take away and drink elsewhere.
2. Do off licences only sell alcohol?
No, they often sell snacks, tobacco, and everyday convenience items too.
3. Do you need a licence to run an off licence?
Yes, you need both a premises licence and a personal licence.
4. Can an off licence sell alcohol 24 hours a day?
Only if the local council grants a 24-hour licence. Most have restricted hours.
5. What happens if an off licence sells to underage customers?
The shop can face heavy fines, licence suspension, or permanent closure.
6. What’s the difference between an off licence and a corner shop?
Many corner shops also act as off licences, but not all corner shops are licensed to sell alcohol.
Conclusion
To answer what is an off licence shop—it’s a retail store licensed to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. While they often stock a range of convenience goods, strict licensing laws govern their operation, making compliance essential for success.