Good Friday closing “offers a 19th Century image” of Ireland – Adrian Cummins

“Ireland must be the only country in the world that has a bank holiday weekend and actually chooses to close the tourist attractions it is best known for" - Adrian Cummins.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland was one of a number opf organsiations that condemned Ireland’s ongoing ban of alcohol sales on Good Friday, saying that the law is unacceptable at such a busy time for the tourism, restaurant and hospitality industry.

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RAI Chief Adrian Cummins said that the law is not only affecting our image abroad but business internally too.

“The restaurant sector is the biggest employer within the hospitality industry, employing over 64,000 people” he explained, “this law affects more than just the diners who want a drink, it affects thousands of people on a busy weekend when restaurants simply won’t open.

“Aside from the law showing a 19th-Century image of Ireland to incoming tourists, many restaurants decide to close their doors on Good Friday.

– the centres of craic and ceol- the restaurants and gastropubs of the country. Even the Vatican City doesn’t obey this ridiculous law.”

The Good Friday closing law is also inconsistent, he said, highlighting restaurateurs frustration at several greyhound stadia around Ireland being granted licenses to serve alcohol on Good Friday. And the legislation also provides certain other exemptions such as allowing the sale of alcohol to those travelling by sea, rail, air or ferry.

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