Could Pubs in Forecourts and C-stores become ‘a thing?’ Lidl gets green light to open first ever in-store pub
As Lidl gets the green light to open a pub inside its Dundonald store – could this open the way for others to follow? Will we see pubs adjacent to the in-store Off-Licences in c-stores and forecourts across the island in time? Or is it simply unthinkable that it could happen across the land.
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 27th January, Mr Justice Colton said he saw “no good reason for refusing the application”.
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 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.
