There are some things in life we simply don't give a second thought to - including why corner shops are called off-licenses.
But as soon as you start pondering the origin behind the name, you won't be able to stop thinking about it. Luckily we're here to offer answers to the burning question.
You don't have to walk far in any town or city in the UK to stumble across an off-license. It's the place where you can pick up booze, snacks and everything in betwee - but how did they become known as an off-license, an offie, liquor store or a booze stop? Well thanks to TikTok, we now know they got their name due to being a shop that is licenced to sell alcohol for consumption off-premises.
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The question came after an American woman in the UK asked what the term meant, and helpful Brits were quick to chime in with the answers. She started a TikTok video of all things in the UK that make no sense to Americans and said: "What does it mean to be 'off licence'? Who's on license?
"It's just not a term in the States. What does it mean to be off licence? What does it mean to be on? I don't know." It seems as if the pressing question has been on other people's minds too, as another TikToker commented: "I've never questioned 'off-licence' before, you've blown my mind and now I NEED to know!"
Clever Brits then shared the reason as one person commented: "Off license = a shop that is LICENSED to sell alcohol for consumption OFF premises," while a second echoed: "On licence = drink on-premises (pub). Off licence = can't drink on-premises (shop)."
Others said: "Off licence is takeaway. No licence to drink on premises, only off. Rather than a licensed premises like a pub." And another stated: "Off licence is to sell alcohol for consumption off the premises. An on-licence is to sell for consumption on the premises - source, license for 20 years."
Others were left baffled by the revelation, as one Brit said: "I was today years old when I learned this every day is a learning day! Thank you sir," and another said: "I always thought it was a shop that just didn't need to ID."
Do you have a story to share? Email niamh.kirk@reachplc.com
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