Definition

1. Noun:
   • A shop licensed to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption away from the premises: An "off-licence" is a retail establishment, such as a store or a dedicated section within a larger shop, that holds a legal permit to sell alcoholic beverages (e.g., beer, wine, spirits) to be consumed off-site, not on the property where they are purchased.

Usage and Examples

• Noun:
  • I need to stop by the off-licence to buy a bottle of wine for dinner.
  • In many towns, the local corner shop also functions as an off-licence.
  • The new laws restricted the opening hours of off-licences.

Advanced Usage and Notes

• The term "off-licence" is primarily used in British and Irish English. In American English, a similar establishment is typically called a "liquor store," "package store," or "off-premises retailer."
• The license itself (the legal permit) can also be referred to as an "off-licence."
• The concept contrasts with an "on-licence," which permits the sale of alcohol for consumption on the premises, such as in a pub or restaurant.

Variants and Related Words

• Off-license (noun): An alternative spelling, particularly common.
• Off-sales (noun, plural, chiefly Scottish & Northern English): Alcoholic drinks sold for consumption off the premises; also refers to the department of a pub or hotel that sells such drinks.
• Off-trade (noun): The sector of the alcohol industry involving sales for off-premises consumption.

Synonyms

• Liquor store (chiefly US)
• Bottle shop (chiefly Australia, South Africa)
• Package store (chiefly US)

Related Phrases and Compounds

• Off-licence holder: The person or business entity that possesses the off-licence.
• Off-licence hours: The legally permitted times during which an off-licence may operate.

Noun

1. a store that sells alcoholic beverages for consumption elsewhere