Lidl Gets Green Light to Open Its First Pub in Northern Ireland

Lidl has won a legal battle to open its first-ever pub in Northern Ireland, with the High Court approving its plans for a licensed bar inside its Dundonald store.

The German supermarket giant can now push forward with the project after a judge dismissed an appeal brought by rival trader Philip Russell Ltd, which operates several convenience stores across Northern Ireland.

Delivering his ruling on Monday, Mr. Justice Colton stated that he saw “no good reason for refusing the application,” clearing the way for Lidl to launch this unique addition to its store.

What Will Lidl’s Pub Look Like?

According to court records, the proposed pub will seat around 45 customers and feature an off-licence area. Shoppers will be able to purchase draught and bottled beer, wine, cider, and spirits, with the off-licence section stocking products already available on Lidl’s supermarket shelves.

The discount retailer first secured planning permission for the pub in August 2020. However, the project faced opposition from Philip Russell Ltd, which argued that Lidl had not demonstrated a lack of existing licensed premises in the area—one of the requirements under Northern Ireland’s strict licensing laws.

The Legal Dispute

Under the Licensing (Northern Ireland) Order 1996, no new alcohol sale licences can be granted unless an existing one is surrendered. Philip Russell Ltd claimed Lidl’s application was an “impermissible attempt” to bypass these regulations.

Despite these objections, the High Court ruled in Lidl’s favour, allowing the supermarket to move forward with its plans.

The decision marks a significant step for Lidl as it expands its offering beyond grocery retailing. With its first Northern Ireland pub on the horizon, shoppers in Dundonald could soon be enjoying a pint alongside their weekly shop.