Pictured: The winning teams from McHugh’s Off
Licence, Malahide Road, Named National Off-Licence of the Year at 29th Industry
Awards
Huge congratulations to the team at Mc Hugh’s on the Malahide Road who were awarded the top prize at the NoffLA Off Licence of the Year for 2025.The Off Licence of the Year Award, now in its twenty-ninth year sets the benchmark for wine retailing on the Irish market. NOffLA, (National Off Licence Association) established in 1991, represents the independent specialist off-licences in Ireland. The Awards recognise and showcase the excellence of quality service to customers offered by the independent off-licence sector. Representing 5,900 jobs in 26 counties the sector remains an important part of quality service-lead employment in Ireland.
Speaking about the Awards and the standard of entries this year, 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.”
The Awards, which included 59 finalists, saw The El Coto’s Customer Service Award of the Year 2025 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.
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.
19 Crimes' Best First Time Entrant 2025 – Fine Wines, Kilmurray, Co. Limerick.
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.
Judging for the Awards involves an examination of over 100 aspects of each entrant’s business. Final awards were allocated following this process.
We offer our sincere congratulations to all the successful off licences and to the great people involved in the day to day running of them.