Publicans have lashed out at “archaic” laws that will see pubs shut today — even though matchgoers at Ireland versus Switzerland will be able to enjoy a pint.

Publicans and off-licence owners have expressed their disappointment at a decision by Justice Minister Frances Fitzgerald not to introduce legislation which would allow licensed premises to sell alcohol on Good Friday.

Publicans have renewed the fight to get pubs opened on Good Friday, claiming the ban on the sale of drink is archaic.

A trade association representing Dublin’s publicans had lobbied the Government to ban the sale of alcohol at sports clubhouses instead of prohibiting drinks companies from sponsoring sports events.

Publicans have re-iterated their annual call for a lifting of the ban on Good Friday sales of alcohol, a move they argue is critical ahead of the Easter 2016 celebrations.

Old reliables such as the price of a pint, petrol and diesel, motor tax, and VRT have been left untouched.

The average spend on a night out for the thirsty Dublin pubgoer is a pretty steep €81, according to a new study.

The pub trade is in “crisis” and as many as 600 pubs are likely to close between this year and next, according to a group representing the sector.

The Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has called on the Government to reduce excise duty on alcohol by 10% to offset the 2% VAT increase said to be introduced in the Budget.

THE pub sector is “in meltdown” with sales plunging by more than 14% this year as consumers switch to drinking at home, the Drinks Industry Group of Ireland (DIGI) has claimed.

MORE than 1,000 pubs could close over the next three years as the downturn sees the Irish drinking almost one-fifth less than they did at the peak of the economic boom.

IRELAND’S oldest brewery has thrown down the gauntlet to its competitors by announcing a price freeze.

The drinks industry is critical to the continued success of tourism, it was claimed today.

THE introduction of café bars in Ireland will do nothing to tackle the problem of binge drinking, according to a leading publicans’ organisation.

DRUNKEN behaviour in the streets on St Patrick’s Day has tarnished the reputation of Dublin, the Lord Mayor claimed yesterday.

THE Taoiseach’s failure to stem internal revolt over the workplace smoking ban was highlighted again last night as another junior minister openly flouted the Government line.

THE January 1 starting date for the blanket smoking ban was cast into doubt yesterday after the Taoiseach said some details still need to be finalised.