It will be set into motion in time for this year’s Good Friday.
For the last 90 years, only those who happen to be on a train, on a boat, in the theatre or staying in a hotel in Ireland would be lucky enough to enjoy alcohol on Good Friday.
However, several months back, it was reported that the wheels were in motion to remove the ban on the sale of alcohol.
Since the restriction was put in place in 1927, there has been that mad dash on Holy Thursday to the off-licence as the entire nation seemed to lose the run of themselves over the prospect of not being able to buy drink for 24 hours.
Speaking late last year, Donall O’Keeffe, the CEO of the Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland 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.”
According to RTE, the Dail passed the lifting of the ban on Thursday afternoon.
This follows on from the lift having already been passed by the Seanad, so it now goes on to the Áras to be signed into law next week and will then take immediate effect.
That means that alcohol will be available to buy in your local pub this Good Friday.
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