Publicans are again seeking an end to the ban on selling alcohol on Good Friday.
Both the Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland have called on the Government to introduce legislation to treat Good Friday as an ordinary trading day for pubs, restaurants and hotels.
Publicans say there is particular impetus to lift the ban due to the 1916 centenary celebrations and as Ireland will play Switzerland in a friendly soccer international on Good Friday, 25 March. They have estimated they lose between €30m. and €40m. by closing on Good Friday.
As the general election is likely to take place next month, any change to legislation would have be put forward immediately if it were to be passed by the Oireachtas.
Speaking at the launch of the About Time campaign, Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA, said the organisation has received legal advice that says lifting the ban would only require a “very minor amendment to the existing law”.
