7 reasons that the first Good Friday with no booze ban represents a historic cultural moment

Brought to you by the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA).

It’s really happening.

After 91 years, pubs across the country are set to open their doors on Good Friday. What a time to be alive! For many people, this will be the first time they have ever had a pint in the pub on a Good Friday. It may just be one day but the longstanding alcohol ban has been a part of Irish culture for generations. Here’s why the repeal of the ban is a bigger deal than it seems.

1. It’s the end of an era

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2f308s3eKac Good Friday was one of three days where the sale of alcohol was banned under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927. As hard as it is to believe, St Patrick’s Day was a dry day in Ireland up until 1960. Christmas Day is the only one left standing after the Good Friday ban was lifted back in January.

2. There’ll be no more loopholes

There’s always a sense of excitement about breaking the rules. Good Friday loopholes added an element of badassery to a simple thing like ordering a pint of plain. More than one determined drinker took advantage of loopholes like travelling by train, staying in a hotel or skipping over the border.

3. You’ll miss the sight of confused tourists roaming around Dublin

There was nothing funnier than befuddled tourists who hadn’t done their homework wandering from closed pub to closed pub. Having a giggle at confused tourists in Temple Bar on the live Earthcam was always a welcome distraction from pining for pints.

4. Holy Thursday will never be the same again

Every Holy Thursday, people got very, very thirsty. Holy Thursday was traditionally the scene of panic shopping in every off-licence in the country. You’d think that abolition had just been introduced if you looked at the carnage and empty shelves in every offie in the land.

5. Good Friday parties may be a thing of the past

One of the best days of the year for house parties was always Good Friday. This was definitely a case of necessity being the mother of invention. Why would you let your mates wreck your gaff when you can just meet them down the pub? RIP Good Friday parties.

6. Imagine that very first Good Friday pint

That first legal pint on Good Friday will be a milestone. No loopholes, no cheating and no travelling to a foreign country for the privilege. You can also call in somewhere for a nice meal and a pint this Friday instead of firing up the oven at home. How good is that?

7. You’ll never see the likes of the “Good Friday Disagreement” again

When the Celtic League match between Munster and Leinster was scheduled in Thomond Park on Good Friday, 2010, Limerick publicans were not happy. They went to court, claiming potential income losses of up to €10million. And they won, getting an area exemption order that allowed Limerick pubs to open. Sadly, that wasn’t much use to the rest of the country, who didn’t benefit from the exemption! Make this Good Friday a great one. Drop into a Dublin pub for a drink or bite to eat. They’d love to see you! Check out the Licensed Vintners Association website for more information.  Brought to you by the Licensed Vintners Association (LVA).