Dublin Lord Mayor Christy Burke believes the ban of alcohol on Good Friday is "an outdated and draconian law" and wants the law to be changed in time for Easter 2016, the Irish Independent reports.

"The Vatican doesn't shut down its bars or services for Good Friday, so why should we?" asked Burke.

"My understanding is that hopefully that particular law will be abolished by next year.

"I think it's an old fashioned law. It's draconian."

The Intoxicating Liquor Act was introduced in 1927 and stated alcoholic drinks could not be sold on Christmas Day, Good Friday and St Patrick's Day.

During the 1960s,the St Patrick's Day clause was appealed to accommodate foreign visitors traveling to Ireland.

Although liquor cannot be sold in pubs and supermarkets on Good Friday, individuals can still buy alcohol in licensed theaters, the National Concert Hall, greyhound stadiums, military canteens and on trains.

Burke said he the believes ban encourages people to drink more in the days before Good Friday.

"I guarantee you, the day before Good Friday the supermarkets will be overloaded with people stocking up as if the city was going to shut down forever," he said.

"And then you have an excess of alcohol consumption,” said Burke, a recovering alcoholic, who has attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings for the past 37 years.

"I go to the meetings for my thinking, not my drinking," he said.

Justice Minister Francis Fitzgerald met with Licensed Vintners Association and the Vintners Federation of Ireland earlier this year to discuss lifting the ban.

Adrian Cummins, Chief Executive of the Restaurant Association of Ireland, said the ban is costing the service industry €30m.

"This law makes Ireland the laughing stock of Europe,” he said. "Tourists arrive in town and everything is closed down. You can see tourists wandering around in absolute amazement."

Members of the service industry want the ban lifted in time for the Easter Rising centenary commemoration next year.

"A huge number of people will be traveling to Ireland next year for the event," said Cummins.