The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious annual Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2025, marking the 29th year of the event. The awards ceremony took place at the Honourable Society of King’s Inns, celebrating excellence across the independent off-licence sector.
NOffLA, founded in 1991, represents independent specialist off-licences throughout Ireland, with the sector representing 5,900 jobs across 26 counties. The Off-Licence of the Year Awards highlight retailers who deliver exceptional service, maintain the highest retail standards, and embody the spirit of community-focused, independent business.
Speaking about this year’s Awards, NOffLA Chairman, Cathal McHugh, said:
“We are thrilled to celebrate the NOffLA Off-Licence of the Year Awards once again, showcasing the best in Irish community retailing. Our members embody the essence of ‘shopping local’ by delivering exceptional service, specialist knowledge, and unique product offerings to their customers. These independent retailers are not only masters of their craft but are also central to their communities, driving local employment and championing Irish products. Their commitment to quality creates a unique shopping experience that larger retailers cannot replicate.
In a year where small businesses have faced rising costs, inflation, and the burden of high alcohol tax rates, our members have continued to persevere and excel. This makes it all the more critical for the new Government to consider the challenges faced by small Irish businesses today.”
Unnecessary burdens putting Irish businesses at risk
At the event, NOffLA also voiced concerns around the upcoming Alcohol Labelling regulations, due to come into force in May 2026 which will require alcohol products to be labelled with health warnings and alcohol retailers to display health warning notices in their premises. NOffLA called for an extension to the implementation date, citing confusion around key aspects of the regulations, and the need for a harmonised EU approach.
McHugh stated that: “While NOffLA has always supported responsible retailing and informed consumer choice, independent retailers will face significant logistical and financial challenges in adapting to these proposed changes. NOffLA is calling on the government to extend the implementation timeline to address ongoing uncertainty around the Act and to allow for previously promised EU-wide regulations. This would avoid placing Irish businesses at a competitive disadvantage to their European counterparts and ensure a consistent approach across the Single Market.
NOffLA also reiterated its call for the Government to reduce Ireland’s alcohol excise duties, which remain the second highest in Europe. McHugh urged the Government to reduce alcohol excise duty to help ease the high cost burdens experienced by many independent off-licences in the last year.
“With the introduction of Minimum Unit Pricing (MUP), these high excise rates are no longer necessary to achieve public health objectives. A reduction would provide much-needed relief to small businesses already struggling with inflation and rising operational costs, enabling them to remain competitive and sustainable in a challenging economic environment.”
2025 Award Winners
This year’s competition featured 59 finalists. The El Coto’s Customer Service Award of the Year 2025 was awarded to Molloys Liquor Store, The Liberties. Kellers Carry Out, Nenagh & Roscrea was recognised as the Responsible Retailer of the Year 2025, and Blackrock Cellar took home the title of Food Retailer Off-Licence of the Year 2025.
These winners were recognised for their dedication to quality, innovation, and customer service, setting a benchmark for excellence in the sector. The Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2025 stand as a testament to the resilience, passion, and dedication of Ireland’s off-licence community.
All 59 finalists were awarded certificates of ‘Excellence’ and a Customer Service Award based on their performance. Other awards on the night included:
- NOffLA's RTC Online Trainee of the Year 2025 – Keeva Sherry, Fine Wines, Kilmurray; Louis Doyle, Fine Wines, Malahide; Niranjan Krishnan Devaraj, Fine Wines, Raven Terrace; David Lonergan, The Vintry, Rathgar.
- NOffLA's Responsible Retailer of the Year 2025 – Kellers Carry Out, Nenagh & Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.
- 19 Crimes' Best First Time Entrant 2025 – Fine Wines, Kilmurray, Co. Limerick.
- NOffLA's Food Retailer of the Year 2025 – Blackrock Cellar, Co. Dublin.
- El Coto's Customer Service Award of the Year 2025 – Molloys Liquor Store, The Liberties.
- Redbreast's Spirit Specialist of the Year 2025 – Mitchell & Son Wine & Spirit Merchants, Glasthule.
- Guinness' Beer Specialist of the Year 2025 – McHugh’s, Kilbarrack.
- Dona Paula's Wine Specialist of the Year 2025 – Jus de Vine, Portmarnock.
- Hennessy Cognac's Munster Off-Licence of the Year 2025 – O’Donovan’s Off-Licence, Riversdale, Midleton.
- Drumshanbo Gun Powder Irish Gin's Connacht/Ulster Off-Licence of the Year 2025 – Dicey’s Off-Licence, Ballyshannon.
- NOffLA's Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2025 – The Wine Centre, Kilkenny.
- Alpha Zeta's Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2025 – Molloys Liquor Store, Clonsilla.
- NOffLA's National Off-Licence of the Year 2025 – McHugh’s, Malahide Road.
Judging for the Awards involves an examination of over 100 aspects of each entrant’s business. Final awards were allocated following this process.
