Good Friday alcohol reform bill doesn’t cover restaurants

Plans to scrap the Good Friday alcohol ban will not end the block on sales in restaurants and other areas because of legal loopholes in the proposed legislation.

Government officials confirmed the situation last night despite saying the Coalition will not block the attempt by Independent senators to remove the law.

Under plans put forward by Independent senators Billy Lawless, Michael McDowell, Gerard Craughwell, and Victor Boylan, this Easter is set to mark the last Good Friday when all alcohol sales are banned.