Alcohol has always been a staple of British culture, and that’s why it’s also one of the country’s most lucrative industries. In 2024, Brits spent a collective £27.4 billion on alcohol in off-licences up and down the country.
So, this is a sector that continues to offer immense business opportunities for entrepreneurs. At CoGoGo, we list a range of off-licence businesses up for sale right now. Browse our business listings to learn more about the opportunities in your area.
Browse Our Off-Licenses For Sale Here
Why invest in an off-licence business?
Off-licences remain one of the most resilient businesses in the UK. According to the latest stats, there are 59,800 off-licence premises in England and Wales alone, rising by 26% since 2008. Reasons to make an off-licence your next business investment include:
- Strong year-round demand for alcohol.
- Resilient during economic downturns.
- Consistent, daily traffic.
- High margins.
- Options for alternate revenue streams, including lottery terminals and tobacco (learn about the legal requirements when opening a convenience store).
Finding off-licences for sale online
In the past, you often had to rely solely on your own private business networks to source off-licence opportunities. Today, that’s all changed, with an array of online channels to exploit if you’re looking to make your entrepreneurial dreams a reality.
Some of the most popular locations to find off-licences to buy online include:
- Business sales directories
- Online listing platforms, like CoGoGo
- Social media
- Business brokers
- Paid ads
Note that although looking online is the most convenient option, you shouldn’t discount the value of more traditional research channels. Most profitable businesses are never listed on the open market. That’s why leveraging your own contacts is still a great option for buying off-licences.
Find out more about the convenience store market here.
Do I need a business broker to help me purchase an off-licence?
Business brokers are professionals who specialise in the buying and selling of businesses. You’re not required by law to use a broker, but that doesn’t mean you shouldn’t use one. Brokers bring a huge amount of value to both finding opportunities and the buying process.
For a start, brokers often have what are known as “pocket” deals, which are deals exclusive to them that never appear on the open market. These sellers are usually vetted, and the broker has a personal relationship with them, putting them in a better position to match them up with serious buyers.
Additionally, brokers are experts in the buying process, providing professional guidance every step of the way to ensure your deal goes off without any unexpected pitfalls. But whether you’re using a broker or not, the first step is finding a suitable off-licence to buy. If you’re ready to see what’s available now, contact CoGoGo today.
