THE CLOSURE OF pubs on Good Friday is a legacy of our past which does not recognise the massive changes in the country and the manner in which pubs have changed in recent times. I believe it is high time we moved on from this outdated law.”
That’s the view of Fine Gael Imelda Henry who has published a Bill that would make it legal for pubs to serve alcohol on Good Friday.
The legislation will soon be debated in the Seanad.
Henry is a publican from Sligo who was nominated to the upper house by the Vintners Federation of Ireland.
She said that the ban was “no longer realistic”, but added that pub owners could remain closed on Good Friday if they wished to do so for religious reasons.
“The Irish pub has evolved significantly in recent years. Almost 60% of Irish pubs now serve food. I believe that it is no longer realistic to expect one key sector in our hospitality industry to close on a day when shops, restaurants and other businesses are open.
The pub is an intrinsic part of the Irish tourism experience, both for domestic and international visitors. Research shows that pubs are one of the top three tourist experiences and one of Ireland’s top selling points.
“At Easter weekend, a time when many people take a break, I believe they should be able to avail of the Irish pub experience. If any publican wishes to remain closed on Good Friday for religious reasons they would of course be free to do so.”
So what do you think, good idea or bad? Sound off in the comments.
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