NOffLA renews call for Irish excise rates to align with European levels. The body highlighted ongoing concerns on distance selling and regulatory burdens facing independent retailers
The National Off-Licence Association (NOffLA) has unveiled the winners of its prestigious annual Off-Licence of the Year Awards 2026, marking the 30th anniversary of the Awards. The awards ceremony took place at the Honourable Society of King’s Inns, celebrating excellence across the independent off-licence sector.
Overall winners 2026
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.
Industry recognition
Speaking about this year’s Awards, NOffLA Chairman, Cathal McHugh, said: “This year’s Awards mark a significant milestone for NOffLA as we celebrate 30 years of recognising excellence in independent off-licence retailing. Our members embody the essence of ‘shopping local’ by combining exceptional service, specialist knowledge, and unique product offerings. 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.
Independent off-licences continue to operate in an increasingly challenging environment, facing rising costs, complex regulation and one of the highest alcohol excise regimes in Europe. Despite this, our members continue to invest in their businesses, their staff and their customers, delivering a quality of service that sets them apart.”
Unnecessary burdens putting Irish businesses at risk
NOffLA also used the occasion to highlight a number of ongoing policy and regulatory challenges facing the sector. The Association reiterated its call for a reduction in 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 recent years.
“With Minimum Unit Pricing now firmly embedded in the Irish market, these high excise rates can no longer be justified on public health grounds alone. Reducing excise would provide meaningful relief to independent retailers already under pressure from rising operational costs and would support the long-term sustainability and competitiveness of community-based businesses.”
NOffLA also emphasised the need for robust regulation of distance and online alcohol sales as part of the forthcoming reform of Ireland’s alcohol licensing laws. While recognising that consumer purchasing habits are changing, NOffLA stressed that online and distance selling must operate on a fair and equivalent regulatory basis to bricks-and-mortar retailers.
The Association has consistently raised concerns that the current framework creates gaps in age verification, delivery safeguards and enforcement, particularly where sellers have no physical retail presence or operate across borders.
“Independent off-licence retailers are subject to strict licensing, inspection and training requirements,” McHugh said. “It is essential that distance and online alcohol sales are regulated to the same standard, to protect young people, support responsible retailing and ensure a genuine level playing field for all operators.”
NOffLA called on the Government to engage with industry to ensure that forthcoming legislation addresses these enforcement gaps and provides clear, workable rules governing online and distance alcohol sales.
McHugh also noted that while the Association welcomed the postponement of the planned alcohol labelling regulations to 2028, NOffLA continues to support a harmonised EU approach to labelling in order to avoid placing Irish retailers at a competitive disadvantage to their European counterparts.
2026 Award Winners
This year’s competition featured 47 finalists. The National Off-Licence of the Year 2026 was awarded to Martin’s Off-Licence, Fairview.
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 2026 stand as a testament to the resilience, passion, and dedication of Ireland’s off-licence community.
All 47 finalists were awarded certificates of ‘Excellence’ and a Customer Service Award based on their performance. Other awards on the night included:
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NOffLA’s RTC On-Line Graduate(s) of the Year – Holly Tucker, Kellers Carry Out Nenagh and Sean Cantwell, Gibney’s of Malahide
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NOffLA’s Responsible Retailer of the Year 2026 – O’Donovans Off-Licence Group
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19 Crimes’ Best First Time Entrant 2026 – Mitchell & Son, The Vaults
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El Coto’s Customer Service Award of the Year 2026 – Molloys, Clonsilla
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Malbado’s Food Retailer of the Year 2026 – 64 Wine, Glasthule, Co. Dublin
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Redbreast’s Spirit Specialist of the Year 2026 – Mitchell & Son, Glasthule, Co. Dublin
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Guinness’ Beer Specialist of the Year 2026 – McHugh’s, Kilbarrack
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Dona Paula’s Wine Specialist of the Year 2026 – Jus De Vine, Portmarnock
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Hennessy Cognac’s Munster Off-Licence of the Year 2026 – Number 21 Dungarvan, Co. Waterford
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Drumshanbo Gun Powder Irish Gin’s Connacht/Ulster Off-Licence of the Year 2026 – Dicey’s Off-Licence, Ballyshannon.
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Mionetto’s Leinster Off-Licence of the Year 2026 – The Wine Centre, Kilkenny.
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Alpha Zeta’s Dublin Off-Licence of the Year 2026 – Blackrock Cellar, Co. Dublin
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NOffLA’s National Off-Licence of the Year 2026 – Martin’s Off-Licence, Fairview, Dublin
Judging for the Awards involves an examination of over 100 aspects of each entrant’s business. Final awards were allocated following this process.
