The queues for the off-license might not be as busy on Holy Thursday this year.
The long-established ban on the serving of alcohol on Good Friday could be brought to an end on Thursday when the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2017 is debated in Dáil Éireann.
Last year, there were strong indications that the private member’s bill, which proposes to amend section 2 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act and remove restrictions on sales of intoxicating liquor on Good Friday, would be brought into effect in time for this year, when Good Friday falls on 30 March.
Irish people have always managed to find ways around the ban – stocking up in the off-license on Holy Thursday, attending events where the sale of alcohol was permitted, going to the airport etc. – but this year could see pubs welcome visitors on Good Friday for the first time in over 90 years.
The bill is due to be discussed in Dáil Éireann as part of Government Business from 2.50pm on Thursday and, if brought into effect, will see the removal of laws that have been in place since 1927.
Speaking last year, Donall O’Keeffe, CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association said: “There is no case for the licensed trade to be treated differently to other retail businesses. Easter is a huge tourism weekend right across the country.
“Forcing pubs and all licensed hospitality businesses to close sends a very negative signal to tourists and visitors who are left baffled and disappointed by the measure.”
If the new measures are brought into effect, expect Good Friday to be comfortably one of the biggest nights in the social calendar in Ireland in 2018.
LISTEN: You Must Be Jokin’ with Aideen McQueen – Faith healers, Coolock craic and Gigging as Gaeilge
