Lidl Ireland is making history by opening the first ever pub inside a supermarket. The High Court in Northern Ireland has granted permission for the retailer to open the boozer in its Dundonald Co Down store, marking a unique venture for the grocery chain.
Lidl is set to open its first-ever pub inside a supermarket in Ireland , allowing shoppers to enjoy drinks within the store. The High Court in Northern Ireland has approved the retailer's unique plan to launch the pub in its Dundonald Co Down store, located approximately 10 kilometers from Belfast. The venue will offer both bar service and off-sales, aiming to create a vibrant atmosphere for the Dundonald community.
Lidl secured planning permission in 2020 for a tap room to be installed on the premises. Initially, the plan was to collaborate with the owners of a local bar to take over their license. Under Northern Ireland's licensing laws, new alcohol sale licenses couldn't be granted unless another one was surrendered. Furthermore, Lidl intended to invest £410,000 (€490,077) in a new in-store pub and off-sales area. However, Philip Russell Ltd, a company operating several off-licences in Northern Ireland, raised objections to the plans. They argued that Lidl hadn't demonstrated a lack of sufficient licensed premises near the site, as required under the NI Licencing Order 1996. They also claimed it was an attempt to circumvent legislation by essentially making another application for an off-licence.In his ruling, Mr. Justice Colton dismissed these claims, concluding that Lidl had proven the necessary inadequacy as the new premises would be the only licensed venue in an area that previously had two pubs. The judge added that the novelty of the application wasn't a reason for refusal. The location was deemed suitable due to its proximity to established shopping and transportation facilities, alongside the growing adult population in the area.In his final decision, Justice Colton accepted Lidl's commitment to operating a genuine public house plus off-licence at the location. He stated: '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. That, however, does not mean that (Lidl) fails to establish inadequacy.' The judge noted that Lidl's £410,000 (€490,077) investment plan was a 'significant sum of money,' adding: 'I accept that it has concluded that the public house will be profitable, knowing that if it closed through lack of profitability an inevitable consequence would be that the off-licence permission would lapse following any such decision. I am satisfied that it meets the statutory requirements and there is no good reason for refusing the application.' Lidl hasn't yet confirmed when the new pub will be built or an approximate opening date, and if any new plans have been made since 2020. Meanwhile, a Dublin community is still awaiting Lidl to build a pub, which was promised as a condition of planning permission granted in 2019. The old Belgard Inn was demolished in 2018 to make way for a Lidl store in Cookstown, near Tallaght, but the replacement pub has yet to materialize. Frustrated residents have petitioned South Dublin County Council to enforce the planning commitment. Local councillor Mick Duff told the Irish Independent last year: 'Planning permission granted by South Dublin County Council provided for Lidl to build a pub replacing the old Belgard Inn, which was knocked down to facilitate the new Lidl complex. As the Planning permission is due to expire in 2025, the Belgard Residents Association set about seeking answers as to when Lidl would meet its planning commitment and build the pub as a facility for the local community. I believe Lidl is engaging with South Dublin County Council on the issue.' It has been reported that Lidl recently presented revised plans for the site to local residents, which include the development of a restaurant/wine bar with 78 apartments overhead.
Lidl Ireland Pub Supermarket High Court Planning Permission Dundonald Northern Ireland Retail Off-Sales Bar Service
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