Selling alcohol
Businesses that can sell alcohol
Guide
In Northern Ireland, only certain premises are eligible to apply for a licence to sell alcohol. These are:
- pubs
- off-licences
- hotels
- guest houses
- restaurants
- conference centres certified by Tourism NI
- higher education institutions
- places of public entertainment (cinemas, theatres, ballrooms, race tracks)
- refreshment rooms in public transport premises (railway or bus stations, airports and harbours)
- seamen's canteens
- indoor arenas
- outdoor stadia
- non-seagoing vessels
- local producer's premises
There are certain conditions for each type of business. For example, licensed restaurants may only sell alcoholic drinks alongside, or before or after a meal. Off-licences may not sell alcohol on Christmas day.
Businesses that are based at a road service area, garage or petrol station can't apply to sell alcohol.
Occasional licence
You may be able to apply for an occasional licence to sell alcohol away from your premises at special events. For example, a local pub or restaurant may apply to sell alcohol at a food festival. If granted, the occasional licence may be valid for up to six consecutive days.