Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Act 2018

The Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Act 2018 was signed into law by President Higgins on 31 January 2018.

Essentially, the effect of this legislation is to lift the ban on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday by removing or amending all provisions which previously imposed such restrictions.

As a result, the sale of alcohol on Good Friday will be allowed in pubs, hotels, off-licences, restaurants, registered clubs, holiday camps and other licensed premises. Hotels will be permitted to sell alcohol to guests at any time on Good Friday and the restriction on selling alcohol only when it is served with a meal, has been lifted.

The legislation will be effective for Good Friday 2018 (March 30), marking the first time in the State's history that the sale of alcohol is legally permitted on a day which was traditionally reserved for religious services. 

If you require advice in relation to any of the issues raised in this update, please contact a member of our Betting, Gaming & Licensing Team.

Date published: 9 February 2018