Cavan publicans call time on ban

In the main Cavan publicans appear to welcome the lifting of the ban on pubs opening on Good Friday. This is largely in line with the view of the Vintners Federation of Ireland (VFI), writes Áine Conaty.

It appears that no villages or towns in the county will be following the lead of the village of Drumrath in neighbouring Co Meath where all three publicans have said they will honour the tradition and stay shut this Friday.

The Castle Sports Bar in Belturbet will open this Good Friday serving both food and drink from 12 noon until half 12 at night. Ray Slaughter, owner, said that it is "a great idea and it is well overdue". He said that it was an "ancient law" and he also thinks that "it will be busier than normal" but not by much.

Sheila Smith, owner of Gartlan’s bar in Kingscourt, said that they will be open serving drinks only. She too was in favour of the ban being lifted. "It’s a good idea, a good idea to have a choice," she said. Sheila's also expecting a bigger crowd that usual. "I think that there may be a bit of novelty the first year but after that it’ll be like any other ordinary day."

The Abbey Bar in Cavan Town will also open though the owner, Justin Gaffney, admits that he hadn't planned on opening this FRiday only a function has been booked in the bar. Justin said that this change in the law is a "sign of the time" and that it is "a good thing in a way". They too expect more people as it is the first year of Good Friday opening but expect it will die down in a year or two.

 

Common sense

Meanwhile, the VFI chief executive, Padraig Cribben, said it's "common sense" to allow pubs open on Good Friday and the lifting of the ban is long overdue. "It’s the start of a busy Easter weekend and the traditional start of the tourist season. Why should we be treated differently to other businesses that were always allowed open?" he asked.

Mr Cribben also pointed out that up to a third of a typical pub’s weekly turnover is taken on a Friday.

"The extra day’s trading is important to our sector. In every poll conducted, tourists say the Irish pub is one of the main reasons they visit Ireland. They love our pub culture, the craic and chance to meet locals. To shut pubs on such an important day was plain wrong," said said.

The CEO also said he respected the decision of some publications to remain closed and clarified that, contrary to some reports, they are entitled to do so. "That is their right and in that regard, nothing will change," he said.