Lidl has been cleared to open a pub inside a shop in Co Down
A legal victory has cleared the way for Lidl to open its first pub inside a store in the North after the High Court dismissed a challenge to its proposal.
An appeal against Lidl’s temporary permit to operate a bar within its Dundonald, Co Down store was launched by Philip Russell Ltd, the owner of several off-licences in the North.
Philip Russell Ltd alleged that Lidl had failed to demonstrate the necessity of their proposal, arguing that there were already sufficient licensed establishments in the area.
Lidl’s Planning Approval
Lidl had previously obtained planning approval in 2020 to build a tap room at its Dundonald site, which is situated just outside of Belfast.
The planned investment included £410,000 (€490,000) for an in-store pub and an off-sales section at the site. Additionally, Lidl intended to secure the surrender of an existing nearby bar’s license.
In Northern Ireland, no new alcohol-selling licenses can be issued unless an existing license is surrendered, a constraint that Philip Russell Ltd highlighted in their appeal.