Off-licences soar: 650 premises open within past 2 years

THERE are almost 4,300 off-licences in the country — with almost 650 premises opening in the last two years alone.

Figures from the Revenue Commissioners show the number of off-licences rose from 3,612 in 2005 to 4,261 in 2007, an increase of 649 premises.

Most of the rise has taken place in the last year, with 460 more premises licensed in 2007.