Good Friday alcohol ban looks set to be lifted, but you'll have one more year to wait

The government could lift the law that prohibits the sale of alcohol on Good Friday, therefore abolishing a 90-year tradition.

Tánaiste Frances Fitzgerald is likely to suggest that she will not oppose a bill in the Seanad that is calling for the ban to be lifted, which will in turn give it the green light to be passed through the government.

A group of Independent senators have proposed the bill, and Billy Lawless, Michael McDowell and Gerard Craughwell will appear before the upper house next week with the Intoxicating Liquor (Amendment) Bill 2017.

Should the bill be passed, it is expected to come into effect in 2018, meaning this coming good Friday would be the last one in which there are restrictions on alcohol sales.

Pud owners have long campaigned for the ban to be lifted, while raves in secluded areas has become commonplace over the years as people gather to drink together while pubs are closed.