A new survey shows a generational divide when it comes to the Good Friday ban on the sale of alcohol.

According to research by Ignite, 49% of people in the 45 to 54 age bracket are in favour of the ban being lifted - that falls to just over a quarter (26%) of those aged between 18 to 24.

It also shows over half of those surveyed believe it encourages binge drinking at house parties. However 55% of those surveyed agreed with the argument that the ‘church shouldn’t have this sort of influence anymore – the ban should be lifted.’

24% of respondents said it would be an unnecessary loss of revenue from tourists to keep the Good Friday ban in place during next year's 1916 Centenary celebrations. 42% agreed or strongly agreed that the anniversary marked a good opportunity to lift the ban permanently.

Mark Nolan, Managing Director of Ignite Research, said the survey makes it "apparent that as a nation we enjoy our traditions; 50% said that the Good Friday alcohol ban should be kept exactly as they are.

"However, looking at the other side, there is still sizeable opposition with over a third of consumers calling for the ban to lift entirely," he added.

Meanwhile restaurateurs say the ban on selling alcohol on Good Friday costs the sector €15 million in revenue.

The Restaurants Association of Ireland is calling for the law to be changed, branding it 'unacceptable' in a multi-cultural and multi-religious society.

They are citing the exceptions made for certain venues which have been granted a licence to serve alcohol on Good Friday, including some greyhound stadiums.

Adrian Cummins is Chief Executive of the Restaurants Association of Ireland:

Some of these people in Dublin say they will not be drinking, but they think others will probably have stocked up in advance:

Originally posted at 9.48am