Winds of change blowing on Good Friday

THE legislation barring the sale of alcohol on Good Friday has come under the microscope this year, after Limerick District Court Judge Tom O’Donnell ruled that pubs in Limerick City would be allowed to open for five and a half hours.
In Ennis, Paddy Brogan of Brogan’s Bar and Restaurant on O’Connell Street has said he will be opening to serve food and soft drinks. “We won’t be serving drink but we will be doing food from 12 to 6pm. You can open if drink isn’t served or on display.”
He believes that business will be brisk. “Good Friday is usually a good shopping day. There are usually a lot of tourists around and people want to get food.”
The restrictions on selling alcohol should go, he feels, and he agrees with the Limerick ruling. “Of course it should change, it’s an archaic law. Things have moved on and these are very difficult times for pubs. I’d welcome the decision in Limerick. Hopefully, it’s the start of a change.”
Gerry Collins of the Clare Vintner’s Federation said there should be one rule for all pubs.
“I wouldn’t have that strong a view on whether there should be openings or not but there should be a level playing field for everyone. It’s unfair if pubs can open in Limerick but they can’t in Parteen.”
Bookmakers shops are also restricted in their trading over the Easter period and they have called for a review of the 1931 Gambling Act, claiming that its effectiveness is now limited in any event, due to the constant availability of telephone and online betting.