The Licensed Vintners Association has said that all pubs in Dublin city centre will be open for all permitted hours on St Patrick's Day.
The clarification comes as reports emerged about a voluntary ban on the sale of alcohol within the city centre until 4pm on the bank holiday. The ban, which has been in place in previous years, is aimed at discouraging street drinking.
But it only applies to off licenses and does not includes pubs or bars within hotels. Pubs within the areas of Parnell Square and St Stephen's Green will still operate from 12.30pm as normal.
Read more: St Patrick's Day Dublin 2023 Luas, DART and Dublin Bus timetables
They said: "The Licensed Vintners Association would like to clarify that all pubs in Dublin City Centre will be open for the full permitted trading hours on St. Patrick’s Day – 12.30pm to 12.30am. We are really looking forward to welcoming our customers, both locals and tourists alike, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with us."
At a garda briefing today Deputy Garda Commissioner Angela Willis clarified that the ban is voluntary but has been adhered to in the past by off licenses and is a "very significant contribution" to controlling crowds on Paddy's Day, the Irish Times reports.
The St Patrick's festival begins tomorrow, March 16, and continues until Sunday, March 19. The Cheltenham Festival will also conclude on Friday with the Gold Cup.
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