Dublin-based O'Brien's Fine Wines is to open new outlets in Navan and Newbridge. In Navan, the company has paid key money of £40,000 (#50,789) for the lease of the former Xtravision shop at Kennedy Road, a unit of 1,500 sq ft which is rented at £25 (#31.75) per sq ft. The new tenants can avail of a remission of rates for about six years. The wine company is currently fitting out a 1,500 sq ft shop at The Courtyard in Newbridge which it is to occupy on a staggered rent, starting at £30,000 (#38,100).

The recent changes in the Intoxicating Liquor Act have allowed wine companies to move licences from one area of the country to another. The full off-licence to apply in Navan is being transferred from Dublin while the one in Newbridge was acquired in Bundoran, Co Donegal. The two openings will bring the O'Brien chain of stores to 17. The company, in operation for the past 30 years, was advised by Larry Brennan of Hamilton Osborne King.