on-licence
Definition
Noun: A licence granted by authorities that permits the sale of alcoholic beverages for consumption on the premises where they are sold, such as a pub, bar, or restaurant.
Usage Examples
- (Permission to sell alcohol for drinking on site.)
- (The licence determines where the alcohol may be consumed.)
- (The licence was removed due to violations.)
Advanced Usage
"to hold an on-licence": to legally possess the permit to sell alcohol for on-site consumption.
- The historic inn has held an on-licence for over a century. (The inn has been legally selling drinks to patrons for many years.)
"on-licence premises": a location authorised to sell alcohol for consumption on the property.
- All on-licence premises must display their licence prominently. (Bars and restaurants must show their permit.)
Variants and Related Words
Off-licence (noun): a licence to sell alcoholic beverages for consumption off the premises; also a shop selling such drinks for takeaway.
- She bought a bottle of wine from the off-licence on the corner. (A shop that sells alcohol for drinking elsewhere.)
Licensed (adj): having official permission to sell alcohol.
- The hotel is fully licensed for events and weddings. (The hotel has permission to serve alcohol.)
Synonyms
- Liquor licence: a permit to sell alcoholic drinks.
- Pub licence: a specific type of on-licence for public houses.
Related Idioms
"to lose one's licence": to have the permission to sell alcohol revoked due to misconduct.
- The bar lost its on-licence after serving minors. (The bar's permit was taken away.)
"under licence": operating with official permission.
- The club operates under an on-licence granted by the city. (The club legally sells alcohol for on-site consumption.)