First Lidl pub begins construction in the UK

Here's how many customers it will accommodate

As the chain was unable to get a standard off-sales licence for its shop in Dundonald in east Belfast, this development is an unusual consequence of the strict licensing laws in Northern Ireland.

Lidl is building a pub instead, since its licence comes with the legal right to operate an off-sales section.

The chain’s plan had faced a challenge in the High Court from rivals, who argued that in order to operate an off-licence, Lidl was trying to use an unlawful loophole.

In January of last year, this was dismissed by Mr Justice Colton, who said the law did not stand in the way of a business taking an innovative approach.

“The fact that the application is a novel one is not a reason for refusing it”, he ruled.

The Lidl pub will accommodate up to 60 customers, it is revealed, however it will not operate in store.

Instead, it will be in separate premises next door.

“After six years in the planning process, we're delighted to today confirm the development of a brand new public house and associated off-sales located adjacent to our Dundonald store”, said Gordon Cruikshanks, Lidl's managing director for Northern Ireland.

With a focus on promoting local suppliers, the pub is expected to open this summer, while the company said it will serve “selected lines” from Lidl's beer, wine and spirit range.

However, before they can start to sell alcohol, there are two hurdles that supermarkets in Northern Ireland must overcome.

First, they must buy a licence which has been “surrendered” by another business, such as a pub which is closing down.

This acts as a strict cap on the number of premises which can sell alcohol.

And second, the chain has to show the number of existing licensed premises in an area is inadequate to meet the needs of the public, and this way must pass the “inadequacy” test.

For a standard off-licence, Lidl was not able to pass the inadequacy test.

However, it did pass the test for a pub, as in recent years two bars close to the supermarket have closed.