Lidl has opened a public house in Dundonald, County Down, after Northern Ireland’s liquor licensing rules prevented it from selling alcohol in a standard off-licence. The supermarket chain invested £500,000 in The Middle Ale, its first pub worldwide.

The company could not pass the legally required inadequacy test for an off-licence, which demands proof that existing licensed premises are insufficient. However, it qualified for a pub licence because two nearby bars had closed in recent years. Under the surrender principle, new licences are tied to those relinquished by closing businesses.

Gordon Cruikshanks, Lidl Northern Ireland’s regional managing director, described the process as a long wait. He said the challenges of the licensing laws were well known. Asked whether the laws should be reformed, he said that was a matter for others to discuss. He noted that Dundonald’s growing population made the pub a viable way to offer the full product range.

The pub, adjoining a Lidl supermarket on the outskirts of east Belfast, has created eight jobs. Its name nods to the chain’s middle aisle. The company said it has no current plans to open more pubs.

Local residents offered mixed views. Charlie Steele said the pub was just what the area needed after recent closures and welcomed the prospect of new international beers. Everal Thompson said it was handy given no one else had opened one, though she did not expect to visit. Ray Johnston said the combination of pub and supermarket was different.

Elected representatives reacted cautiously. Alliance Party councillor Martin Gregg said people were initially excited by the novelty, but the concept’s local impact remained to be seen. DUP councillor Sharon Skillen said the pub could be a valuable meeting place and job creator, provided it respected neighbours and infrastructure.