From the discount store to the bar. Lidl opens its first pub next to the store

If it's Saturday, just go to Lidl for a beer? And not only that. Cider, wine, liqueurs and other alcohols – this is the range of products offered by the first Lidl-o-pub in the world, which will be connected to a liquor store. The German discount chain plans to open a bar in Belfast, Northern Ireland, in the summer.

The pub has been under construction for over a year in Dundonald in the eastern suburbs of Belfast. Its area has been designed to be 60 square meters, which will accommodate approximately 60 customers, CNN reports. It is being built right next to the existing discount store.

– Lidl has been part of the Dundonald community for over 20 years. During this time, our customers and residents have not been able to use the full range of Lidl Northern Ireland products, he said in a statement managing director for the region at Lidl Gordon Cruikshanks.

Dundonald is a dynamically developing town that has seen a significant population increase of over 20% in recent years, which has translated into additional demand for a pub in this area, he adds.

The opening, which is scheduled to take place in the summer, has been a rather bumpy road. The competition filed a number of complaints, alleging, among others, failure to meet all conditions necessary to obtain a license. Irish law states that if there are already enough pubs and liquor stores in a given area, the court will not grant another license to sell them. However, one premises may waive this right in favor of another of a similar nature. And this is what happened in the case of Lidl – one pub gave up its license.

Other comments The High Court commented briefly, stating that “the concept of a licensed premises attached to a supermarket is undoubtedly a new phenomenon” and granting consent to the Lidl-o-pub.

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