Mandate, the union which represents bar staff, has joined the Vintners' Federation of Ireland in opposing the Bill that proposes to allow all-night drinking on New Year's Eve.
The union's national industrial officer, Mr John Douglas, criticised the Minister for Justice, Equality and Law Reform, Mr O'Donoghue, for failing to consult the union.
Echoing similar criticism to the VFI, Mr Douglas said the union would be seeking an urgent meeting with the Minister. MANDATE had already made it clear that its preference would be for bar and retail workers to have New Year's Eve off.
"The Government has declared New Year's Eve 1999 to be a special public holiday and we would like bar and retail workers to be in a position to enjoy this holiday as much as anyone else," he said.
"We have written to the various employers with whom we deal, and many have now agreed not to open on the day, including Iceland, Arcadia Group, Arnotts, Boots, Dunnes Stores and Marks and Spencer, in order to allow their staff enjoy this special day with their families.
"The Minister's proposal could put bar workers under an intolerable strain in those pubs which decide to opt for the all-night opening. Realistically, it will be impossible to get additional staff to work on that night of all nights, so how are the additional hours going to be covered? Clearly, it will only be possible through getting existing staff to work even longer hours and this could prove to be largely impracticable."
A spokesman for Mr O'Donoghue said yesterday the proposed Bill did not make it obligatory for pubs to open all night on New Year's Eve. "The facility is there in the Bill to give publicans the option to open if they wish."