Lidl has been given approval by a High Court to open its first ever pub in Northern Ireland.
The German supermarket chain will be able to move forward with the plan to open a bar inside its store in Dundonald, near Belfast, after a judge dismissed an appeal brought by another trader.
Making the ruling on Monday, Mr Justice Colton said he saw “no good reason for refusing the application”.
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Lidl’s plan involves opening a pub which would seat around 45 customers as well as an off-licence area, according to court records.
The pub would allow customers to buy draft and bottled beer, wine, cider and spirits with the off-licence stocking products normally available on Lidl supermarket shelves.
The site in Dundonald. Pic: Google Maps
The supermarket initially secured planning permission for the pub in August 2020, but it was objected to by Philip Russell Ltd – which runs a number of convenience stores across Northern Ireland.
Philip Russell Ltd argued that Lidl had failed to establish that there was an inadequate number of other licenced premises near the site.
This is a requirement of licencing laws in Northern Ireland, which state that no new alcohol sale licences can be granted unless another one is surrendered.
It also said Lidl’s application for an off-licence was an “impermissible attempt” to get around the Licencing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996.
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But Mr Justice Colton determined that Lidl had established the “inadequacy” of local pub offerings.
He said Lidl’s pub would replace two pubs that were previously in the area, and it would spend at least £410,000 doing so.
He added that the pub would be located near transport and shopping facilities and in an area that has a growing adult population.
“I am satisfied that this is a bona fide application and that the applicant fully intends to operate the premises as a public on/off-licence,” Mr Justice Colton said.