Dublin, Ireland, Jan 26, 2018 / 15:34 pm
Pubs in the Republic of Ireland will now be allowed to sell alcohol on Good Friday, after the lower house of the Irish legislature voted in favor of the measure on Thursday.
The bill had passed the upper house in July 2017, and is expected to be signed shortly by President Michael Higgins.
The bill has widespread support, with a few members of parliament opposing it because of their support for bills meant to combat the overconsumption of alchohol.
David Stanton, a junior justice minister, commented that "Tourism makes a much greater contribution to our economy and this is particularly true during holidays, such as the busy Easter period. In addition, changing demographics and increasing diversity in our population have led to a reduction in traditional religious practice."