Publicans in the Shannonside Northern Sound region say longer opening hours will be of no benefit.
The government is to consider the extension under its Justice Plan 2021, which also aims to modernize licensing laws.
Some pubs have been closed for almost a year due to covid-19, and they have no idea when they may be allowed to reopen again.
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Gerry Lynn Chair of the Vintners Federation Longford says it would help them to be opened at the same time as hospitality this summer.
He says looking at excise duty and licensing would make more of a difference than extending opening hours in rural areas:
