More than a third of Irish people say they would like to see the ban on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday lifted. According to a poll carried out by Ignite Research, 36 per cent of consumers agree the ban should be done away with.

The research also looked into the arguments behind the views for and against selling alcohol on Good Friday. Of those surveyed, 55 per cent agreed with the sentiment that the ‘church shouldn’t have this sort of influence anymore – the ban should be lifted.’ Furthermore, over half agreed with the view that ‘banning the sale of alcohol on Good Friday encourages binge drinking at house parties.’

Consumers surveyed were also asked to evaluate their own drinking behaviour. Only 3 per cent described themselves as ‘heavy drinkers’ and 61 per cent identified themselves as a ‘light drinker.’ Meanwhile, over one third (36 per cent) said they were a ‘moderate drinker.’ 

Looking ahead, participants were also asked about the 1916 Centenary Celebrations and whether they should have an influence on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday for 2016.  Nearly a quarter (24 per cent) said it would be an unnecessary loss of revenue from tourists visiting to mark the occasion to keep the ban in place. Further, 42 per cent agreed with the view that the Centenary Celebrations were a good opportunity to lift the ban for good.  

Almost a third of participants (32 per cent) said the proposed changes in the upcoming Public Health (Alcohol) Bill 2015, including the restriction of alcohol advertising on TV and radio, are a ‘very good idea’. In terms of positive impacts of the Bill; 44 per cent felt that the most impact will be on public orders and violent offences with nearly a third (30 per cent) believing that the Bill would result in a possible reduction of the number of suicides, as the misuse of alcohol is often linked to the high number of suicides in Ireland.