BYOB and corkage

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What it really means

BYOB means "bring your own bottle" — some smaller restaurants, especially those without an alcohol licence, let you bring your own wine or beer. They may charge a small "corkage" fee per bottle for opening and serving it. Always check with the restaurant first before turning up with drink.

Chinese explanation

BYOB 意为"自带酒水"——一些较小的餐厅，尤其是没有酒牌的，允许你自带葡萄酒或啤酒。他们可能按每瓶收取少量"开瓶费"（corkage）来提供开瓶和上酒服务。带酒前一定先跟餐厅确认。

Example conversation

A: This place is BYOB — shall we bring wine? B: Yes, but ring ahead; some charge a couple of pounds corkage.

A：这家是自带酒水的——我们带瓶葡萄酒吧？ B：好，但先打电话问问；有些每瓶收几镑开瓶费。

What you could say back

“I'll ask if they charge corkage.”

Related phrases

"Bring a bottle" Do I have to drink alcohol at the pub? Ordering at the bar

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Reviewed by the UK Decoded editorial team · Last checked 24 July 2026 · Report a mistake