St. Patrick’s Day: Volunutary alcohol ban set for Dublin City

The voluntary ban will be in effect until 4 pm.

Gardaí have confirmed that a voluntary alcohol ban in Dublin's city centre will be in effect until 4 pm this St. Patrick’s Day. The Irish Times confirmed that off-licences or supermarket off-licences in the city centre between Parnell Square and St. Stephen's Green won't sell alcohol until 4 pm. As part of the ban as well, there will be a prohibition on alcohol being taken into Dublin's city centre via public transport. Angela Willis, Assistant Garda Commissioner, told the outlet that alcohol sellers had supported St. Patrick’s Day parades in recent years by adhering to the ban. While it is voluntary, Willis added that the ban is generally followed and helps make sure St. Patrick's Day parades are enjoyable for everyone. In a statement to JOE regarding the voluntary ban, a Garda spokesperson said:

"Each year, An Garda Síochána engages with a wide range of stakeholders including public houses, shops and off-licences well in advance of St. Patrick’s Day festivities. "Businesses who hold an alcohol licence are invited to a DMR liquor licensing meeting. This year, it took place at the Mansion House in Dublin on Tuesday, 21 February 2023. "The St Patrick’s Day Parade is a family-friendly event and the showcase event for the St. Patricks Festival and to assist Gardaí with the policing event of this event, licence holders are requested to voluntarily refrain from selling off sales until after 4pm on 17 of March. "If/where necessary, An Garda Síochána also has enforcement powers under Liquor Licensing legislation, Criminal Justice (Public Order) Act and Local Dublin City Council Bye Laws in relation to consumption of alcohol in public places."

However, The Licensed Vintners Association (LVA) has issued a statement in which it says that all pubs in Dublin city centre will be "open for the full permitted trading hours on St. Patrick’s Day". These are from 12.30 pm to 12.30 am. "We are really looking forward to welcoming our customers, both locals and tourists alike, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us," it added.