Good Friday Open Pubs: Where To Go For A Pint

Good Friday is a religious holiday for Christians, commemorating the crucifixion of Jesus Christ. It is also a public holiday in several countries, including Australia and Ireland, where it has traditionally been a dry day with alcohol sales prohibited. However, in recent years, there have been relaxations and exceptions to these restrictions, with some pubs and bars allowed to serve alcohol, especially in certain cities like Limerick, Melbourne, and Sydney. These establishments often operate with modified opening hours and may require special licenses to trade.

Characteristics of pubs that are open on Good Friday

Pubs in Australia and Ireland are subject to alcohol restrictions on Good Friday

In Australia, Good Friday is a religious holiday for Christians, marking the day Jesus Christ was crucified. It is also a day when pubs and bars are generally open, but with some restrictions on alcohol sales. Most bottle shops are closed, and licensed venues can only serve alcohol on their premises within certain hours. For example, in New South Wales (NSW), no takeaway alcohol sales are allowed, and licensed venues can only serve alcohol between midday and 10 pm. However, there are exceptions for venues with producer licences, such as microbreweries, which can sell takeaway alcohol. Similar rules apply in other states, such as Victoria, Queensland, and Western Australia, where alcohol can be served with a meal during specific times.

In Ireland, Good Friday has traditionally been a day when pubs were not permitted to open, with a prohibition on selling alcohol dating back to 1927. However, this changed in 2018, when pubs and shops were allowed to sell and offer alcoholic drinks on Good Friday for the first time since the prohibition was enacted. Despite this change, there are still some restrictions in place. For example, restaurants and gastropubs can serve takeaway pints and cocktails, but alcohol sales don't start until 10:30 am. Off-licences, including supermarkets, can sell alcohol from 10:30 am to 10 pm on Mondays to Saturdays, with restricted hours on Sundays and St. Patrick's Day.

In Melbourne, some pubs are open on Good Friday, but with a surcharge

Good Friday is a time when many businesses are closed, but in Melbourne, some pubs stay open. While it's not business as usual, there are plenty of options for those looking to grab a drink or a bite to eat. However, it's important to note that surcharges may apply at these venues.

Additionally, the following venues are open on Good Friday with varying surcharges:

• Stokehouse: 15% public holiday surcharge
• Chin Chin: 15% public holiday surcharge
• Auburn Hotel: Open on Good Friday with no surcharge information
• Co-Conspirators Brewpub: 15% surcharge, no surcharge on Saturday
• The Great Northern Hotel: No mention of a surcharge
• Hop Nation Brewing Co.: 15% surcharge
• Bridge Road Brewers Brunswick East: 15% surcharge
• Hobson's Bay Hotel: 20% surcharge

So, if you're in Melbourne and looking for a place to go on Good Friday, these pubs and restaurants are worth considering. Just remember that surcharges may apply, and it's always a good idea to check with the venue directly for their opening hours and any additional information.

In Sydney, pubs are open on Good Friday, but with restricted hours

Good Friday in Sydney is a little different to other days of the year. While it's true that many restaurants and shops are closed, there are still plenty of pubs that remain open for business. However, it's important to note that their trading hours will be restricted.

In fact, pubs in Sydney are only permitted to trade from noon until 10 pm on Good Friday. This means that if you're planning on heading out for a drink, you'll need to plan your day accordingly. Many pubs may choose to remain closed during these restricted trading hours, so it's always a good idea to check ahead before you go out. If you know which pubs you plan to visit, you can check their individual websites or give them a call to see if they're open.

It's also worth noting that bottle shops (off-licenses) are not allowed to be open on Good Friday. So, if you're looking to purchase alcohol to drink at home, you'll need to plan ahead. However, there is a loophole to this rule. Venues with a producer's license, such as breweries or distilleries, may be able to sell their wares. This means that you can still stock up on local craft beers, spirits, or even pre-mixed cocktails to enjoy at home.

So, while Good Friday in Sydney may present some challenges when it comes to finding a place to drink, there are still plenty of options available if you plan ahead and are aware of the restricted trading hours.

In Queensland and Western Australia, pubs can only serve alcohol with a meal on Good Friday

In Queensland, pubs can remain open on Good Friday, but they must abide by certain restrictions. Alcohol can only be sold and supplied between 10 am and midnight, and only in conjunction with a meal prepared and served on the premises. This meal must be eaten in a part of the pub that is usually designated for dining. Patrons can purchase alcohol to drink with their meal for one hour before and one hour after eating. Takeaway alcohol sales are banned on Good Friday in Queensland.

Pubs in Western Australia are subject to similar restrictions. Licensed venues can only serve alcohol with a meal on Good Friday.

These laws are in place to ensure that the holiest weekend on the Christian calendar is observed with some solemnity, while still allowing pubs and restaurants to operate and patrons to enjoy a drink with their meal. It is worth noting that these laws vary across Australia, with some states allowing the sale of takeaway alcohol on Good Friday, and others permitting alcohol sales without a meal.

It is important to check the specific regulations in your state or territory before heading to the pub on Good Friday, as non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and other penalties for venues.

Pubs in Limerick, Ireland, were granted an exemption to serve alcohol on Good Friday in 2010

Pubs in Limerick, Ireland, were granted a rare exemption to serve alcohol on Good Friday in 2010. This was the first time such an exemption had been made since the introduction of a law banning alcohol sales on Good Friday and Christmas Day in 1927. The exemption was granted due to a high-profile rugby match between Munster and Leinster hosted by the city, which was expected to attract thousands of fans to the area. The match was scheduled to kick off at 20:05 and had already sold out, with television rights agreed upon. Vintners, who had the support of local politicians, argued that Limerick publicans stood to lose revenue of up to €10 million if they were prevented from opening.

The case was heard at the Limerick District Court, where Judge Tom O'Donnell granted the exemption under Section 10 of the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1962. The ruling permitted pubs in Limerick to trade between 18:00 and 23:30 on Good Friday, with the judge noting the potential for "controversy in several quarters". The decision was met with mixed reactions, with some celebrating the change while others, including religious groups, expressed disappointment.

This exemption was a significant event, as it marked the first time since 1927 that pubs in the Republic of Ireland were legally allowed to serve alcohol on Good Friday. It is worth noting that prior to this, there had been some exceptions to the Good Friday ban, including allowing alcohol service to hotel residents, travellers, and those attending certain events. However, the 2010 exemption specifically allowed pubs in Limerick to serve alcohol during the specified hours, marking a unique occurrence in the country's history.

The exemption granted to Limerick pubs on Good Friday in 2010 was an unusual occurrence, and it sparked discussions about the role of religion in Irish society and the relationship between the Church and the State. It also highlighted the economic impact of such restrictions on the hospitality industry, particularly during popular holiday weekends.

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