Publicans and off-licence owners have expressed their disappointment at a decision by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald not to introduce legislation which would allow licensed premises to sell alcohol on Good Friday.
Ms Fitzgerald had come under pressure to amend the law to allow alcohol to be sold on Good Friday, with the Irish football team’s friendly in Dublin cited as one event on that day at which fans will not be able to buy beers or spirits.
The Minister ruled out changing the existing laws when asked on RTÉ Radio One yesterday by Sean O’Rourke.
She said: “I won’t be doing it this year and it is something for consideration under the alcohol legislation.”
The chief executive of the Licenced Vintners Association, Donall O’Keeffe, said his members and members of the public will struggle to understand the rationale behind the minister’s decision.
Padraig Cribben of the Vintners Association of Ireland described the existing law as “archaic”.
