Widnes Vikings Rugby League Club has applied for a premises licence to allow alcohol to be sold for consumption off the premises at its stadium shop. The application, submitted by Widnes Rugby League Club Limited, covers the Widnes Vikings Shop at DCBL Stadium, Lower House Lane.
Proposed sales hours
Under the proposal, off-sales would be permitted during the shop's normal opening hours, primarily 9.30am to 5pm from Monday to Saturday, and 11am to 5pm on Sunday. The licence would cover retail purchases for taking away only, not on-site drinking. Any on-premises alcohol service inside the stadium remains subject to separate licences.
How to have your say
Halton Council's legal services licensing section is handling the application. Written representations from responsible authorities and any other person must reach the council by September 9, 2026. Representations can be sent to Halton Borough Council, Legal Services Licensing Section, Municipal Building, Kingsway, Widnes WA8 7QF, or by email to legalservices@halton.gov.uk.
Representations should relate to the licensing objectives: prevention of crime and disorder, public safety, prevention of public nuisance and protection of children from harm. Those with concerns are encouraged to set out clear reasons and any evidence.
Key dates and next steps
The notice was published on August 12, 2026, with a representation deadline of September 9, 2026. If relevant representations are made, the application may be considered at a licensing hearing, where conditions can be added, amended or the application refused. If no relevant representations are received, the licence can be granted by officers under delegated powers.
Shop-based off-sales typically involve sealed containers for consumption away from the premises. As the shop sits within the DCBL Stadium site, any effects are likely to coincide with normal retail activity, including matchday footfall. Specific operating conditions, if any, would be set by the licensing authority.
The notice also warns that it is an offence to make a false statement in connection with a licensing application, with liability on summary conviction to a level 5 fine on the standard scale. The record of the application can be inspected at the council offices during normal hours.
