A late-night need for beer, wine, or spirits often leads to the same question: where is the nearest off licence open right now? With thousands of licensed shops across England and Wales, the answer depends on your location, the time of day, and what you are looking for. Some stores operate around the clock while others follow standard licensing hours, and prices can vary significantly between supermarkets, corner shops, and petrol stations.
Finding a nearby off licence that meets your requirements means knowing which tools to use and what to expect when you arrive. Whether you need a 24‑hour supermarket, a local Premier store, or a shop that stocks a particular brand of wine, a structured approach saves time and effort. This article draws on official data, store locators, and licensing rules to help you locate the best option wherever you are.
Where is the Nearest Off Licence to Me?
Nearest Off Licence
Find the closest shop using live location or postcode.
Open Now
See which off‑licences are currently open, including 24‑hour options.
Cheapest Prices
Compare prices on beer, wine, and spirits from local stores.
Chain & Independent
Browse Premier, SPAR, Co‑op, and independent off‑licences near you.
- Most users search for an off licence late in the evening or at weekends, often with an immediate need for alcohol.
- 24‑hour off‑licences are concentrated in urban areas; rural locations tend to have fewer options outside standard hours.
- Price sensitivity is high – shoppers regularly compare cheapest versus best selection before deciding.
- Brand loyalty exists for chains such as Premier and SPAR, but convenience of distance and opening hours often overrides brand preference.
- Mobile search dominates – any useful tool must load quickly, use geolocation, and display results in a map or list view.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Legal age to buy alcohol in UK | 18 (valid ID required) |
| Typical off‑licence hours | Mon–Sat: 8am–11pm, Sun: 10am–10pm (varies by licence) |
| 24‑hour licences in England & Wales | Over 4,000 shops hold a 24‑hour alcohol licence |
| 24‑hour licences in Scotland & Northern Ireland | None confirmed – no 24‑hour off licences exist in these nations |
| Popular chains | SPAR, Premier, Co‑op, Nisa, Tesco Express, Sainsbury’s Local |
| Asda superstores | Open 24/7 except Saturday and Sunday nights due to trading laws |
| Common locations for 24‑hour licences | City centres, petrol stations, large supermarkets |
| Payment methods | Cash, card, contactless; some offer delivery via apps |
Is There a 24‑Hour Off Licence Near Me?
In England and Wales, more than 4,000 premises hold a licence to sell alcohol 24 hours a day. These include supermarkets like Asda, convenience stores, corner shops, newsagents, grocery stores, and petrol station garages. They are open every day of the year, including bank holidays, and sell beer, wine, and spirits throughout the night.
No 24‑hour off licences exist in Scotland or Northern Ireland. Anyone searching for round‑the‑clock alcohol sales in those nations will need to check local licensing registers for any special exemptions, but as of 2025 none are known to operate.
Which Off Licences Are Open Now?
The most reliable way to check real‑time opening status is to use a purpose‑built locator. The 24 Hour Alcohol Locator maintains a comprehensive database of all 24‑hour off licences in England and Wales. You can search by postcode, street, or landmark to see which shops are currently open. The site recommends entering a full postcode rather than just a city name for the most precise results.
If no 24‑hour shop appears near your location, the locator also provides links to 24‑hour alcohol delivery services that may cover your area.
What Time Do Off Licences Near Me Close?
Standard off‑licence hours in the UK are Monday to Saturday 8am to 11pm, and Sunday 10am to 10pm. These hours are set by the premises licence granted under the Licensing Act 2003 and can vary from one store to another. Some shops choose to close earlier, especially in residential areas, while those with a 24‑hour licence never close.
During public holidays, opening times may differ. The best practice is to check directly with the store or use an up‑to‑date locator before travelling.
Are There Any 24‑Hour Off Licences That Deliver?
Yes. The 24 Hour Alcohol Locator includes links to delivery services that operate around the clock. If no nearby shop is open, these services can bring beer, wine, and spirits to your door. Some local off‑licences also offer their own delivery via platforms such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo, though coverage varies by area.
Enable location services on your phone before using the 24 Hour Alcohol Locator for instant results. Entering your full postcode rather than a city name gives a more accurate list of nearby 24‑hour off licences and delivery options.
Which Off Licence Near Me is Cheapest or Best?
Price is a major factor when choosing an off licence. The research indicates that no direct price comparison tool exists for off‑licences across the UK, but certain patterns emerge from the available data.
How Do I Find the Cheapest Off Licence Near Me?
Garages and petrol stations are often the cheapest option for quick purchases of beer and wine, according to the findings. Small local corner shops and independent stores tend to offer competitive everyday pricing compared to major supermarkets. Brands such as Stella Artois, Budweiser, and own‑label wines are commonly available, though specific bottle prices are not published centrally.
For the best deal on a particular brand, it may be worth calling a few nearby shops directly. The 24 Hour Alcohol Locator can identify which stores are open, but it does not display price lists.
Which Off Licence Has the Best Selection of Wine?
Larger supermarkets such as Asda and Tesco Express generally stock a wider wine range than corner shops. However, some independent off‑licences specialise in imported or premium wines. No central directory of wine ranges exists, so checking with individual stores remains the most reliable method.
Do SPAR Off Licences Near Me Have a Beer Range?
SPAR stores typically carry a standard selection of beers, including popular lagers and ales. Whether a specific SPAR is a 24‑hour off licence depends on its local licence. No specific Premier or SPAR stores were identified as 24‑hour in the research results, but using the 24 Hour Alcohol Locator with your postcode will confirm if any nearby branches qualify.
No direct price comparison tool for off‑licences exists publicly. Prices for beer, wine, and spirits are not aggregated online, so the cheapest option near you can only be determined by checking individual stores or using delivery platform menus.
What Alcohol Can I Buy at a Local Off Licence?
Most off‑licences in the UK sell beer, wine, cider, spirits, and sometimes alcopops. The exact range depends on the size of the store and its target customer base.
Do Off Licences Near Me Sell Spirits and Wine?
Yes. Nearly every off licence stocks both wine and spirits as standard. Whisky, vodka, gin, rum, and liqueurs are widely available. Some smaller corner shops may have a more limited selection, but they will typically carry the most popular brands.
Can I Buy Single Cans or Bottles?
Many off‑licences sell individual cans and bottles, especially for beer and cider. Single servings of wine and miniature spirit bottles are also common. This makes off‑licences a practical choice for someone who wants one drink rather than a multi‑pack.
Are There Off Licences That Sell Premium Craft Beer?
Specialist off‑licences and some larger convenience stores now stock premium craft beers and imported ales. The availability of these products varies significantly by location. Calling ahead or checking a store’s social media page is the quickest way to find out if a specific brand is in stock. If you’re looking to brew the perfect cup, this guide on how to make coffee will help you master the process: how to make coffee.
The stock of specific brands or alcoholic beverages is not guaranteed without contacting the store directly. 24‑hour licences may also be subject to conditions that affect what can be sold at certain times. Always confirm availability before making a trip.
When Are Off Licences Most Likely to Be Open?
- 8:00 AM – Many off‑licences open for the day (Monday to Saturday).
- 10:00 AM – Sunday opening begins for most licensed shops.
- 11:00 PM – Standard off‑licence closing time for Monday to Saturday.
- 12:00 AM – 6:00 AM – Only 24‑hour licensed premises remain open; late‑night search activity peaks during these hours.
- Weekend evenings – Highest search volume for “off licence near me open now” occurs on Friday and Saturday nights.
What Can You Be Certain About When Buying Alcohol?
| Established information | Information that remains unclear |
|---|---|
| All off‑licences in the UK require a licence from the local authority under the Licensing Act 2003. | Opening hours can change on public holidays or due to unforeseen circumstances – always check directly with the store. |
| Age verification is mandatory for alcohol sales. Anyone who appears under 25 may be asked for ID. | Stock of specific brands or alcoholic beverages is not guaranteed without calling ahead. |
| There are over 4,000 24‑hour alcohol licences in England and Wales, and none in Scotland or Northern Ireland. | 24‑hour licences may be temporary or subject to conditions imposed by the local council. |
The safest course of action is to use the 24 Hour Alcohol Locator or call the nearest shop to confirm hours and availability before travelling.
How Does the UK Off-Licence System Work?
Off‑licences are convenience stores or dedicated alcohol retailers that sell beer, wine, and spirits for consumption off the premises. The Licensing Act 2003 governs their opening hours and conditions, with local councils granting premises licences that can include specific restrictions. Twenty‑four‑hour licences are more common in metropolitan areas and near transport hubs, where demand for late‑night alcohol is highest.
Online delivery services such as Uber Eats and Deliveroo have increased competition in recent years, but physical off‑licences remain popular for immediate, cash‑and‑carry purchases. Search volume for “off licence near me” peaks on Friday and Saturday evenings, reflecting the social and last‑minute nature of many alcohol purchases.
The Association of Convenience Stores represents many off‑licence operators and provides industry data on licensing trends. Official guidance on alcohol licensing can be found on GOV.UK, and consumer rights when buying alcohol are explained by Citizens Advice.
Where Can You Find Official Off-Licence Information?
“Alcohol licensing is administered by local authorities in England and Wales. Each council maintains a public register of all premises licences, including any conditions attached to 24‑hour sales.”
“Convenience stores, many of which operate as off‑licences, are a vital part of the local retail landscape. The sector adapts quickly to changes in licensing law and consumer demand.”
“When buying alcohol, you have rights about the quality of the product and the accuracy of its description. If a product is faulty, you may be entitled to a refund or replacement.”
For store‑specific information, the SPAR store locator can find nearby branches, and your local council’s licensing register provides the official record of any premises licence.
How to Find the Best Off Licence Near You
Finding the right off licence depends on three factors: distance, opening hours, and price. Use the 24 Hour Alcohol Locator with your full postcode to see all 24‑hour shops nearby, check standard hours via chain store locators, and confirm stock by calling ahead. For the cheapest option, petrol stations and independent corner shops are often the most competitive, while larger supermarkets offer the widest choice of wine and spirits. No single tool covers every variable, so combining the locator with a quick phone call remains the most effective strategy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I buy alcohol from an off‑licence if I’m under 18?
No. It is illegal to sell alcohol to anyone under 18 in the UK. You must provide valid photo ID (passport, driving licence, or PASS card) if asked.
Do off‑licences sell single cans or bottles?
Many off‑licences sell individual cans or bottles, especially for beer and cider. Some also offer single servings of wine and spirits.
Are off‑licences open on Christmas Day?
Most off‑licences are closed on Christmas Day. A few 24‑hour petrol stations may open but with restricted alcohol sales. Always check local listings.
How can I find an off‑licence that delivers?
Use delivery platforms such as Uber Eats, Deliveroo, or search for “off licence delivery near me”. Many local off‑licences now offer their own delivery service.
What’s the difference between an off‑licence and a supermarket?
An off‑licence is a store licensed primarily to sell alcohol for off‑premises consumption. Supermarkets also sell alcohol but have a wider grocery range. Both follow the same licensing laws.
Can I return alcohol if I change my mind?
Off‑licences are not legally required to accept returns on alcohol. Returns policies vary; some may offer exchanges for faulty products. Check the store’s policy.
Do all off‑licences accept card payments?
Most off‑licences accept cash, card, and contactless payments. Some smaller independents may have a minimum spend for card transactions.
Is there a limit on how much alcohol I can buy at once?
No specific legal limit exists for a single transaction, but a store may refuse sale if it believes the alcohol will be passed to someone under 18.
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Rebecca Haines is Managing Editor at Headlines UK, running the daily news list, commissioning and headline review.