Lidl has received approval to open a pub inside one of its stores.
The supermarket chain has successfully secured approval to open a tap room at its Dundonald store in Northern Ireland, allowing customers to enjoy a well-deserved beer after their grocery shopping.
The tap room will be situated at the back of the supermarket, offering space for approximately 45 people, with a bar area seating about six.
According to court records, the tap room will also feature an off-licence section. Customers will be able to purchase draft and bottled beer, cider, as well as wines and spirits, with the off-licence offering products found on the supermarket’s shelves.
Lidl had originally obtained planning permission for the pub in August 2020, but local convenience store operator Philip Russell raised objections to the plans.
The proposed plan involved the owners of a local bar surrendering their licence, allowing Lidl to take over. Under Northern Ireland’s licensing laws, no new alcohol sales licences can be issued unless an existing one is surrendered.
Ruling on the decision Mr Justice Colton said: “It may well be that it will not meet the full demand for licensed premises within the vicinity given its size and lack of food provision,” the judge said.
'However, that does not mean that Lidl fails to establish inadequacy.'