An amendment of Ireland’s Intoxicating Liquor Bill that would end the 90 year old Good Friday Alcohol Ban has passed unanimously in the Upper House. The bill, introduced by independent senator Billy Lawless and recently updated by the government to include both pubs and hotels has now passed all stages of the Senead and it will now be discussed at the Dáil after the summer break.
Lawless suggested that the ban is counterproductive and that it actually encourages binge drinking. He said: “Currently an 18 year old with €10 can buy 10 cans of beer on Holy Thursday to keep for the next day but cannot walk into a pub to meet friends where he might buy two or three pints for the same money.”
The news were welcomed by the Vintners’ Federation of Ireland (VFI), an organisation that has been vocal in the past about the importance of passing this legislation. Padraig Cribben, CEO, said: “Besides the antiquated nature of the law, the Good Friday ban is unfair to tourists and presents a negative image of our country. Removing the ban is positive news for the tourist industry as we fight the effects of Brexit and a weak sterling.”
Cribben celebrated the news and commented it “means the archaic law banning the sale of alcohol in licensed premises on Good Friday is coming to an end.”
It is expected that the Good Friday alcohol ban will be signed into law by the President before the year ends, putting an end to the confused tourists on Temple Bar gazing at closed doors on Good Friday.
More information: vfipubs.ie