Page "Good Friday" Paragraph 78

Ireland, a predominantly Catholic country, prohibits all alcohol from being sold on Good Friday.

Section 10 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962 introduced " area exemption orders " to allow the sale of alcohol for the special events that occur on the same day.

Banks and public institutions are closed on this day but it is not an official bank holiday ( i. e. public holiday ), so many offices and other workplaces remain open.

All pubs and many restaurants in Ireland close for the day – it is similar to Christmas Day in this regard.

This tradition has come under criticism of late, with secular businesses claiming a loss in earnings by way of a religious festival.