Definition

1. Noun:
   • A license permitting the sale of alcoholic drinks for consumption at the place where they are sold: An "on-license" is an official authorization granted to a business, such as a pub, restaurant, or hotel, allowing it to sell alcoholic beverages that must be consumed on its own premises.

Usage

• The term "on-license" is primarily used in legal, commercial, and hospitality contexts, especially in regions like the United Kingdom. It specifies the condition that the alcohol sold must be drunk at the licensed venue, not taken away.
• It is often contrasted with an "off-license," which permits the sale of alcohol for consumption elsewhere.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The pub applied for an on-license to serve beer and wine to its customers in the dining area.
  • Holding a valid on-license is a legal requirement for this restaurant to operate its bar service.

Advanced Usage

• "Premises with an on-license": This phrase describes a venue legally operating under this type of license.
  • The event must be held at premises with an on-license.

Variants and Related Words

• On-licence: An alternative spelling, chiefly used in British English.
• Off-license (noun): A license to sell alcoholic drinks for consumption away from the premises where they are sold.
• Licensee (noun): The holder of a license, such as an on-license.

Synonyms

• Liquor license (for on-premises consumption): A general term for a permit to sell alcohol for drinking at the point of sale.
• Pub license: A common informal term, especially in the UK context.

Related Phrases

• "To hold an on-license": To possess or be granted this type of license.
  • The establishment has held an on-license for over fifty years.
• "To operate under an on-license": To run a business in accordance with the rules of this license.
  • The hotel operates under an on-license, so guests cannot take bottles from the bar to their rooms.

Noun

1. a license to sell liquor for consumption on the premises