Good Friday alcohol ban criticised by RAI
The ban of alcohol sales on Good Friday is being criticised by The Restaurants Association of Ireland who say 'it is unacceptable'.
The Association say that the law is not only affecting our tourism brand abroad, but business internally as well.
Easter weekend is expected to draw an estimated quarter of a million visitors to Ireland, however according to the Association's CEO many restaurants decide to close their doors instead.
Adrian Cummins has said this alcohol ban needs to be lifted; “We are new modern Ireland, new modern society and this law was established back in the 1920s and we now need to change this law with immediate effect.
“What we are saying, very clearly is, any new government coming in needs to give a commitment that this law banning alcohol across the country should be lifted.”
The Licensed Vintners Association, which represents Dublin publicans, also said it would be a simple matter for the new Government to introduce amending legislation which would allow pubs, restaurants and hotels to serve alcohol as normal on Good Fridays.
They want this Good Friday to be the last ‘Long Good Friday’ and say repealing the law is the sole objective of their #AboutTime campaign.
Donall O’Keeffe, Chief Executive of the LVA, said a change to the law is long overdue.
“Frankly it’s embarrassing that this law is still in force, especially given there is an international soccer match taking place this Good Friday against Switzerland and the celebrations to mark Ireland 2016 are focused on this weekend.
"This is no way to kick off one of the main Bank Holidays of the year”
