Restaurants' group calls for end to Good Friday alcohol ban

The Restaurants Association of Ireland has condemned what it described as an 'archaic' law banning the sale of alcohol in pubs, off licenses and restaurants today (Good Friday).

The association's CEO, Adrian Cummins, claimed that the law was affecting domestic businesses as well as Ireland's image abroad.

“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,' said Mr Cummins.

'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.”

Mr Cummins is highlighting the restaurateurs' frustration as several greyhound stadiums around Ireland have been granted licenses to serve alcohol on Good Friday. The legislation also provides certain other exemptions such as allowing the sale of alcohol to those travelling by sea, rail, air or ferry.

People can also be sold alcohol while attending a licensed theatre, a national cultural institution or guests staying in a licenses premises, such as a hotel, as long as it is with a meal.

According to Mr Cummins: “These businesses are working the law and using it to their advantage - why shouldn’t restaurants? It’s tough for all businesses relying on customers to part with their well-earned cash on a long weekend. They cannot afford to open without serving alcohol, and they definitely cannot afford to close either.”