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"Archaic" Good Friday Alcohol Ban Should Be Scrapped Says RAI

By Publications Checkout
"Archaic" Good Friday Alcohol Ban Should Be Scrapped Says RAI

Restaurant owners have called for the “damaging” Good Friday alcohol ban to be scrapped. 

The Restaurants Association Of Ireland have said that the prohibition on the sale of alcohol is outdated and costing businesses.

Group chief executive Adrian Cummins told the Irish Mirror his members are frustrated that some exemptions are made for greyhound stadiums.

Mr Cummins said: “In other countries around Europe Good Friday is treated like any other normal business day.

“You can get a drink in an Irish pub beside the Vatican on Good Friday so what we are saying is that this has to be overturned as quickly as possible.

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“This is archaic – it dates back to the 19th century. It hasn’t progressed with society and we are trying to build tourism, hospitality and bring more people into the country.”

Under the Intoxicating Liquor Act bars and restaurants are not allowed to serve alcoholic beverages this Friday.

People can buy alcohol at a licensed theatre, a cultural institution or if they are staying in licensed premises, such as a hotel.

Mr Cummins said: “This has to be overturned and what we are saying is can we sit down as quickly as possible and put legislation in place so that we have more progressive law.”