Sir, – While the Licensed Vintners Association is not everyone's favourite lobby group, Donall O'Keeffe is right to call for an end to the prohibition of alcohol sales on Good Friday ("Calling time on Good Friday drinking ban", Opinion & Analysis, January 20th). In 1972, the nation voted to remove the special position of the church from our Constitution, but by not also removing this small hangover (pun intended), its special position lives on.
Good Friday has been in a state of limbo for many years in Ireland. It is not an official holiday, yet many people have the day off work without the need to use up annual leave.
Most businesses outside the hospitality sector are closed. Transport runs on reduced schedules. Tourists are baffled.
It is time to either admit that this moveable feast is an actual public holiday or state unequivocally that it is solely a religious holiday, like December 8th, on which, incidentally, one can buy alcohol! – Yours, etc,
CLAIRE BRADLEY,
Swords,
Co Dublin.
Sir, – Donall O’Keeffe neglects to mention that our compatriots north of the Border in bars and restaurants can only serve alcohol between the hours of 5pm and 11pm on Good Friday, thus offering a reasonable compromise while observing the customary solemn hours of that afternoon. – Yours, etc,
CORMAC MEEHAN,
Bundoran,
Co Donegal.
Sir, – Donall O’Keeffe asserts that keeping the pubs closed on Good Friday costs the State more than €6 million.
Surely, as the drinks industry keeps telling us to drink sensibly, the €6 million will be spent on the following Saturday or over the following week?
In this day and age of instant access to all desires, surely we can resist temptation for one day! – Yours, etc,
JOHN ROGERS,
Rathowen,
Co Westmeath.