Publicans want to call time on Good Friday drink ban

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.

Both the Vintners Federation of Ireland and the Licensed Vintners Association, which represents pubs in Dublin, said it was time for the laws to change and for Good Friday to be treated the same as any other day.

Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the LVA, said: “Frankly, it’s embarrassing that this law is still in force, especially given there is an international soccer match taking place this Good Friday against Switzerland and the celebrations to mark Ireland 2016 are focused on this weekend. This is no way to kick off one of the main bank holidays of the year.”