Pubs across Clare are opening their doors this afternoon for the first time on a Good Friday in living memory.
The government voted to lift the ban on the sale of alcohol, which had been in place since 1927, leaving it up to individual publicans to decide whether or not to open.
While many have seized that opportunity, some have decided to stick with tradition.
From early this morning, alcohol has been sold right across the country for the first time in over 90 years.
The move has been widely welcomed by the industry, with the Vintners Federation of Ireland claiming that the ban has cost the sector 40 million euro.
The organisation’s Clare Chair and proprieter of Lucas’s Pub in Ennis, Darragh McAllister is open for business today.
But he isn’t convinced there will be a boost in trade, as Bank Holiday Fridays traditionally tend to be quiet.
But while pubs can open their doors today, not everyone is choosing to do so.
Fianna Fáil Sixmilebridge Councillor Alan O’Callaghan runs The Pump House Bar in Kilmurry near Sixmilebridge.
He’s pleased they now have the option to open, but he’s not taking advantage of it.
Ahead of the long weekend, research online suggests that under a fifth of the population plans to actually visit the pub today.
Meanwhile, we went out to find out what people’s thoughts were:
Today marks the first time in over 90 years that alcohol can be sold on #GoodFriday and we headed out to see what people think pic.twitter.com/XtY5bovNdI
— Clare FM (@ClareFM) March 30, 2018
