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Good Friday Disagreement
01.04.10
by Kevin Kelly, Inishowen Independent
TOMORROW will see pubs in Inishowen closed for
business. Publicans in the peninsula are likely to
observe a controversial law preventing the sale of
alcohol on Good Friday, which has been on the
statute books for decades.
The law has come in for fresh scrutiny following the
decision by the High Court to grant an exemption to
publicans in Limerick.
Premises in the city have been given permission to
open under a special provision in the existing
legislation which grants exemption for ‘special
events’. The courts deemed the Munster versus
Leinster Magners League rugby game scheduled for
Thomond Park as meeting this requirement. Thousands
of thirsty rugby fans, and tens of thousands more
besides, are expected to descend on Limerick
tomorrow for a unique Good Friday booze-up.
The ruling has sparked a fresh debate on the current
law with some publicans planning to open for
business on Good Friday most notably the Charlie
Chalke chain of pubs who intend opening for food
sales only. |
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Inishowen publican
Eddie Harkin confirmed that Rosato’s in Moville will
be closed on Good Friday. “I have decided not to
open tomorrow following legal advice from my
solicitor who informed me that any licensed premises
that opens its doors on Good Friday is flouting the
law even if they aren’t selling alcohol,” said.
Harkin believes that this law should be struck down.
“It’s time that pubs were allowed to sell drink on
Good Friday. We have changed as a country and an
option to open on the day should be afforded to us.” |
“I understand people
have religious beliefs and that’s OK, but people
should have the choice to drink in a pub on Good
Friday if they wish,” Harkin said. “People can still
abstain from alcohol if they want.
“One could say there is a case for closing butcher
shops too if things are taken to the extreme,”
Harkin added.
Good Friday has always seen people from Inishowen
crossing the Border where pubs remain open as
normal. “It makes no sense that people can go into
Derry or drink at home but they can’t get served in
their local pub,” Harkin said. “It should be about
choice.”
A large portion of Rosato’s revenue is generated
through food sales and Harkin believes it is unfair
that he can’t operate this side of his business. “If
I am not allowed to sell drink, at least I should be
allowed to open up for food and non-alcoholic
beverages. I know some owners are opening for this
purpose in Dublin but my solicitor has advised
against this.
“Publicans like me are being forced to lose out on a
day’s takings when business is tough enough already
as it is due to this outdated piece of legislation
which should be removed immediately,” added the pub
owner. |
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