Mags Gargan
The Minister for Justice has rejected appeals from publicans to lift the ban on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday, saying it would send “mixed messages” in advance of new legislation to address problem drinking.
At a meeting with industry lobbyists last November, Minister Frances Fitzgerald said the “Government needs to avoid…diluting its key message”, according to the minutes of the meeting published by The Sunday Times. “Extending the possibilities for consuming intoxicating liquor by removing the Good Friday prohibition risked being interpreted, and portrayed, as a lowering of [the government’s] commitment to tackling a serious nation problem.”
TDs and senators are currently considering a Public Health (Alcohol) Bill which will introduce minimum pricing and strict rules on alcohol advertising, labelling and off-licence sales.
Donall O’Keeffe, chief executive of the Licenced Vintners Association (LVA) said he did not accept that the new legislation was a justification for not overturning the Good Friday ban.
“We think the two issues are entirely unrelated. It’s just ridiculous in 2017 that pubs and hotels and restaurants are shut on Good Friday. All we’re looking for is the option to trade. If people don’t want to drink for religious reasons that’s their choice,” he said.
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