Tullamore restaurateur backs calls to change Good Friday alcohol sales laws

The proprietor of a Tullamore restaurant has backed calls from the Restaurants Association of Ireland (RAI) condemning the ban of alcohol sales in restaurants on Good Friday.

Paula Tahraoui of Sirocco’s on Patrick Street in Tullamore said she agrees with the RAI that the current law is unacceptable. “We’re closed, We can’t open,” Ms Tahraoui said today (Friday). “The law’s archaic.”

Chief executive of the RAI Adrian Cummins said today that the current law governing alcohol sales on Good Friday is not only affecting our image abroad, but business internally as well.

“The restaurant sector is the biggest employer within the hospitality industry, employing over 64,000 people - 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,” he said.

Mr Cummins said Ireland must be the only country in the world that has a bank holiday weekend and actually chooses to close restaurants and gastropubs. “Even the Vatican City doesn’t obey this ridiculous law,” he said.

“It hurts really badly,” Ms Tahraoui agreed. “I’m a traditional girl as well, but we’re living in a multi-cultural society. It’s very, very outdated. Restaurants are at a loss for the day.”

Several greyhound stadiums around Ireland have been granted licences to serve alcohol today. Legislation also allows the sale of alcohol to those travelling by sea, rail, air or ferry, those attending a licensed theatre or cultural institution or guests staying in a licensed premises such as a hotel as long as it is with a meal.

“These businesses are working the law and using it to their advantage - why shouldn’t restaurants?,” Mr Cummins questioned. “It’s tough for all businesses relying on customers to part with their well-earned cash on a long weekend. They cannot afford to open without serving alcohol, and they definitely cannot afford to close either.”

Ms Tahraoui agrees a push should be made to change the law, not just for businesses but for consumers as well. “People have the right to choose,” she said.