Vintners welcome change to 'archaic law'

THE Vintners Federation of Ireland – the representative group for publicans located outside of Dublin – has welcomed the news that a change in the licencing laws will allow pubs to sell alcohol on Good Friday for the first time in 90 years.

The Intoxicating Liquor Bill 2017 passed all stages in the Dáil with all-party support and will now be enacted in time for Good Friday 2018, which falls on March 30.

Together with the Licensed Vintners Association (representing Dublin publicans), the Vintners Federation of Ireland had described the Good Friday ban as 'archaic and discriminatory'.

“Along with the LVA, we have been fighting to overturn this archaic law for the past decade,” said the chief executive of the VFI, Padraig Cribben, following this afternoon’s vote.

He said the decision would not have been possible without the tireless work of Senator Billy Lawless, who proposed the Bill, and former Senator Imelda Henry, while he also paid tribute to Michael McDowell, Victor Boyhan and Gerard Craughwell who co-sponsored the Bill in the Seanad. Senator Gerry Horkan also provided invaluable assistance, he noted.

Donall O’Keeffe, the chief executive of the LVA, said the decision to allow the sale of alcohol on Good Friday was long overdue.

“Removing the ban is simple common sense,” he stated. “The large number of tourists visiting Ireland at Easter were confused by a law that made Ireland appear out of touch with the rest of our European neighbours.

“The extra day’s trade at such a busy time of year will be a welcome boost. This change is a win for our customers, our tourists, our suppliers and the wider hospitality sector.”