PUBLICANS in Kerry will have to option to open on Good Friday from now on after the Dail just passed legislation to allow alcohol to be served on the holy day.

The Seanad had already passed the amendment to the Intoxicating Liquor Act and will now go to the Aras next week to be signed into law by President Higgins. The ban, which has been the source of much debate over the years, has been in place in Ireland since 1927.

Publicans over the year in Kerry have made arguments for and against the law with some attempting to get exemptions to open at 12 midnight on Good Friday for customers.