The Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) has condemned the ban of alcohol sales on Good Friday, saying that the law is unacceptable at such a busy time for the tourism, restaurant and hospitality industry. Chief Executive of the RAI, Adrian Cummins said that the law is not only affecting our image abroad, but business internally as well.
“The restaurant sector is the biggest employer within the hospitality industry, employing over 64,000 people - this law affects more than just the diners who want a drink, it affects thousands of people on a busy weekend when restaurants simply won’t open,” says Adrian.
“Aside from the law showing a 19th-Century image of Ireland to incoming tourists, many restaurants decide to close their doors on Good Friday. Ireland must be the only country in the world that has a bank holiday weekend and actually chooses to close the tourist attractions it is best known for - the centres of craic and ceol - the restaurants and gastropubs of the country. Even the Vatican City doesn’t obey this ridiculous law.”
Restaurant with Wine on Licence trading hours:
Holy Thursday: 10.30am to 12.30am
Good Friday: No sale permitted except to a guest in a hotel with a meal
Easter Saturday: 10.30am to 1.30am
Easter Sunday: 12.30am to 1.30am
Easter Monday: 10.30am to 12.30am
