Off License
An offie which is a term used for an off license within the UK is a retailer that has been provided with the relative license to sell alcohol. In order to distribute or sell alcohol within the UK a license must be obtained; this is obtained by applying to the local authority where the premises are located. The role of an offie or off license is therefore to sell alcohol to the general public. There are numerous different regulations that are in place to monitor the trading activities of off licences. For example it is illegal to sell alcohol to anybody under the age of eighteen in the UK; this is often tested throughout off licences.
There are numerous different establishments that can be regarded as off licenses, some retail units only sell alcohol and other retailers have an off licences but also trade in other areas. Those retailers that only sell alcohol are traditionally known in the UK as an offie. Such shops specialise in alcohol and are likely to stock a range of beers, wines and spirits. Such shops are often open relatively late in order to meet the demand for alcohol in the evenings and on weekends. In most cases an offie will offer alcohol which is ready to drink, for example all ready chilled. An alcohol off licence retailer will usually be more expensive than a supermarket. There are numerous chains throughout the UK that are off licences; these include Rhythm & Booze, Bargain Booze and Oddbins. During the recession the off licenses were one category of shops that actually saw an increase in takings. As people go out less and drink more at home the takings at offies has increased. As well as alcohol the majority of off licences also offer cigarettes, confectionary and lottery tickets; although the main product sold is alcohol.
Numerous petrol stations within the UK also hold an off license; this permits them to sell alcohol from their retail unit. These are sometimes open twenty four hours a day and are therefore ideal for anybody that wishes to pick up a drink during the night or whilst heading home.
Supermarkets throughout the UK also sell an extensive range of alcohol and this is usually the place where alcohol can be purchased for the lowest price. As supermarkets sell alcohol they must have an off license to do so. An off license will be granted to anybody that is deemed fit to sell alcohol and the license holder must also pass certain examinations. The license holder will be held responsible for any sales of alcohol to people under the age of eighteen.
