Definition

Noun: A legal permit or document issued by a government authority that authorizes the holder (typically a business or establishment) to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption on or off the premises.

Usage

A "liquor licence" is a formal, official requirement for businesses like bars, restaurants, pubs, hotels, and liquor stores. It is a specific type of license, distinct from general business licenses. The term is often used in legal, commercial, and regulatory contexts. - The primary holder is the business entity. - It is subject to local laws, regulations, and renewal periods. - Violating its terms can result in fines or revocation.

Examples

• The new bar cannot open until it receives its liquor licence from the city council.
• The cost of renewing the restaurant's liquor licence increased this year.
• They applied for a liquor licence that would allow them to serve beer and wine.
• The authorities revoked the pub's liquor licence after repeated violations.

Advanced Usage

• "to hold a liquor licence": To legally possess and be authorized by such a permit.
  • The company holds a liquor licence for all its downtown properties.
• "liquor licence application/hearing": Refers to the process of applying for or disputing the granting of this permit in an official setting.
  • The neighborhood association opposed the liquor licence application.

Variants and Related Words

• Liquor license (noun): The more common spelling in American English.
• Alcohol license / Alcoholic beverage license (noun): Broader, more formal synonyms.
• Licensee (noun): The person or entity that holds the licence.
• Off-licence (noun, chiefly British): A shop licensed to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption elsewhere.

Synonyms

• Alcohol permit
• Drink licence (informal, chiefly British)
• Beverage license

Related Phrases

• "to be licensed to sell alcohol": A phrase describing the authorized activity.
  • The café is licensed to sell alcohol after 5 p.m.
• "license renewal": The process of extending the validity of the licence.
  • We must complete the liquor licence renewal by the end of the month.

Noun

1. a license authorizing the holder to sell alcoholic beverages