Good Friday doesn't have to be dry Friday

European election candidate for Midlands-Northwest, Lorraine Higgins, has called for a rethink of national laws banning the sale of alcohol on Good Friday.

She says that at a time when rural towns and villages across Ireland are struggling, shutting down pubs because of an 87-year-old law, cuts off a significant stream of revenue.

“Easter is one of the most popular bank holiday weekends, with thousands of tourists flocking into the country. Equally many thousands of Irish people spend time away from home visiting friends and family.

“The intention of the original law was to encourage a day of abstinence but the reality is that many people chose to drink at home on Good Friday, meaning the only real losers in this scenario are licensed pubs and restaurants.

“The bizarre nature of the ban will come into sharper focus on Holy Thursday evening, when we will inevitably see a mad rush to the local off-licence as people stockpile alcohol in advance.

“In the interests of consistency, sound business sense, and supporting our struggling pub trade, we should consider relaxing this law.”