For the first time in 90 years, pubs across Ireland will be open this Good Friday.
Laws banning pubs, clubs and off-licences from serving alcohol on Good Friday have been lifted by the Dail this afternoon.
A new bill, which lifts a ban which has been in place since the foundation of the state, will be signed into law by President Higgins in time for Easter.
Minister David Stanton said attitudes in Ireland have changed and this move will have a positive impact for the economy.
"Tourism makes a much greater contribution to the economy, especially during holiday times like Easter".
Many pub and restaurant owners have long called for a ban on them serving alcohol on Good Friday to be lifted.
During one call for the ban to be lifted, the Restaurants Association of Ireland pointed out that you can get a drink "within feet of the Vatican" on Good Friday.
Chief Executive Adrian Cummins called the ban "unacceptable and outdated" and warned that it had been damaging the tourism, restaurant and hospitality industries.
Last year, Senator David Norris said he wanted the ban to remain in place, arguing that Ireland "has a very, very, serious drinking problem, I think the last thing that we need is another day of drinking".
