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.”

The Irish team take on Switzerland in a friendly in Dublin tonight and the crowd at the match will be able to buy alcohol as it is not a full competitive match under Uefa guidelines, and sporting events are among those granted an exemption from the Good Friday alcohol ban.

Publicans once again said the bar closures were hitting profits — particularly given the international interest in centenary events to mark the Easter Rising.

Mr O’Keeffe said: “Every Good Friday we have thousands of tourists and visitors to our capital wandering around asking why they can’t go into a pub for a drink. The fact that alcohol will be served inside the Aviva Stadium but that all the pubs in the country will be closed shows how ridiculous the law is.

“People travelling by train, plane, bus or ferry, those visiting the North, going to the theatre or even the dogs will also be able to purchase alcohol. Outdated laws like this actually make a mockery of our entire licensing system.”

The VFI agreed, claiming there were “manifold” reasons for the laws to change.

“Easter Weekend is a very busy time for tourists and it makes no business sense for pubs to close,” it said. “Every year, thousands of tourists are bemused at not being able to access the Irish pub and all that it has to offer. We have communicated to government time and time again that tourists are disappointed to find the country’s pubs closed for business on Good Friday.

“Most other retail businesses will be open and trading on Good Friday but once again the licensed trade will be closed. When you consider that 30% of a typical pub’s weekly turnover is taken on a Friday, removing this opportunity to earn makes no sense, especially on a busy bank holiday weekend where this earning potential is even greater.”

The VFI added: “Frankly it’s an embarrassment that this legislation is still in force in 2016.”