Lidl gets around strict liquor-selling rules – by opening a pub (opens original article in a new tab)

Supermarket chain Lidl opened its first pub, 'The Middle Ale', in Dundonald, near Belfast, to navigate Northern Ireland's strict alcohol licensing laws.

• Lidl opened a pub called 'The Middle Ale' in Dundonald, near Belfast.
• The pub includes an off-licence section and was opened due to Northern Ireland's strict alcohol licensing laws.
• Lidl argued there was an insufficient number of bars in the local area to justify the new establishment.