Lidl has won a legal challenge, allowing it to open its first pub in Dundonald, County Down, after a judge dismissed an appeal against its permit.
Dundonald: Lidl just scored a big win! They can now open their first pub inside a store. A judge ruled in their favor, rejecting a challenge to their permit.
The challenge came from Philip Russell Ltd, which owns several off-licences in Northern Ireland. They argued that Lidl didn’t prove there weren’t enough licensed places nearby.
Lidl got planning approval back in 2020 for a tap room at their Dundonald location, just outside Belfast. They plan to invest £410,000 in this new in-store pub.
To make this happen, Lidl agreed to work with a nearby bar to give up its license. In Northern Ireland, no new alcohol licenses can be issued unless an existing one is surrendered.
Previously, Lidl was denied an off-licence at this shop. They are now committed to running a bar if this new application is accepted.
Philip Russell Ltd claimed Lidl didn’t show there were “inadequate licensed premises” nearby, as required by law. They also said Lidl was trying to bypass the rules.
However, Mr. Justice Colton ruled that Lidl proved there was a need for a pub in the area. He noted that only one licensed place would remain where two used to be.
The new pub will be in a neighborhood with good retail and transport options, plus a growing adult population. The judge acknowledged it might not meet all local demand.
Still, he confirmed that Lidl met the necessary requirements for their application. He emphasized that Lidl plans to invest significantly in the pub’s setup.
Mr. Justice Colton concluded that there was no valid reason to deny Lidl’s application. This is a big step for the supermarket chain!
