The new taproom, located at the rear of the supermarket, will feature a bar seating six customers. Credit: Vytautas Kielaitis/Shutterstock.

German supermarket chain Lidl has secured legal approval to establish its first pub in Northern Ireland, overcoming a challenge from Belfast-based wholesaler and off-licence operator Philip Russell Limited.  

The High Court’s decision paves the way for a new venue that will cater to 45 patrons within a Lidl store in Dundonald, near Belfast. 

Lidl plans to invest a minimum of £410,000 to set up the pub. 

The new taproom at the rear of the supermarket will feature a bar area with seating for six customers.  

Philip Russell Limited operates several off-licences in Northern Ireland including those close to the proposed Lidl site. 

Accusing the supermarket chain of failing to support its claim that there were not enough other licensed premises in the vicinity, Philip Russell Limited added this was “an impermissible attempt to circumvent the 1996 Order”. 

How well do you really know your competitors?

Access the most comprehensive Company Profiles on the market, powered by GlobalData. Save hours of research. Gain competitive edge.

Company Profile – free sample

Thank you!

Your download email will arrive shortly

Not ready to buy yet? Download a free sample

We are confident about the unique quality of our Company Profiles. However, we want you to make the most beneficial decision for your business, so we offer a free sample that you can download by submitting the below form

By GlobalData
Visit our Privacy Policy for more information about our services, how we may use, process and share your personal data, including information of your rights in respect of your personal data and how you can unsubscribe from future marketing communications. Our services are intended for corporate subscribers and you warrant that the email address submitted is your corporate email address.

The 1996 order that governs liquor licensing in Northern Ireland includes a stipulation that prohibits issuing new alcohol sales licences unless an existing one is surrendered. 

However, Justice Adrian Coltonb noted in his ruling that although the idea of licensed premises within a supermarket is a recent innovation, the limitations outlined in the 1996 order do not necessarily hinder innovation or the introduction of new methods for operating licensed establishments and added that Lidl had established the necessary inadequacy.  

He noted that if the application is approved, there will be a single licensed venue in an area where two pubs were previously located.  

The new premises would be situated in the heart of a neighbourhood with several shopping and transportation options and a rising population. 

Justice Colton also stated that Lidl had made a bona fide application to run the premises as a public on/off-licence. 

Lidl ventured into the Northern Irish supermarket segment in 1999 and now has more than 40 sites.  

It operates 800 supermarkets across England, Scotland and Wales.