Anzac Day Trading Restrictions in NSW
Aussies hoping to grab some booze for a drink or two this Anzac Day will have to plan ahead, as trading restrictions on bottle shops across one state mean many store doors will remain shut for the day. Legislation passed in 2024 forces about 80 per cent of NSW bottle shops to remain closed the entire day on April 25. Prior to last year, liquor retailers in NSW were able to trade from 1pm.
The NSW law prevents larger bottle shops from opening, including popular liquor chains. Small independent operators with four or fewer employees working on the day, and bottle shops attached to pubs are exempt from the restrictions. Pubs and clubs, restaurants and cafes can all trade as normal.
Michael Waters, CEO of Retail Drinks Australia, said it’s a “kick in the guts” for businesses and every day Aussies who will likely end up paying more one way or another.
“They lose the ability to shop at their favourite or their local, and we know that it’s going to cost them more, whether it be cost at the till or having to travel further distances to access,” he told Yahoo News.
“The current situation discriminates against bottle shops and makes life unnecessarily harder for people in this state with no clear benefit, and at a time when individuals and businesses alike are struggling to make ends meet.”
Government Justification for Restrictions
The NSW government says the restrictions are to ensure the service of veterans is recognised and to allow people to participate in commemorative services throughout the day. Retail Drinks Australia has been fighting against the rule for 18 months, since it was first announced by the Minns government. They’re asking to allow retailers to operate from 1pm, as they had been before.
“It’s been unfair, anti-competitive, and discriminatory,” Waters said.
“We estimate conservatively that’s over $40 million in lost income. And over 10,000 employees are denied the ability to work and earn penalty rates. For small stores, it’s about $15,000, and for larger stores, it’s nearly $36,000.”
Double Whammy for Businesses
Further flow on with Anzac Day Monday public holiday. This year, businesses have been hit with a “double whammy”, Michael said, after the state government announced the public holiday on a Monday.
The Monday public holiday is not a restricted trading day, like April 25, so retail shops can operate as usual. “If they want to trade, on the Monday following where Anzac Day falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, which happens periodically, they’re going to have to pay double time and a half penalty rates for the privilege,” he explained.
“They’re not going to make any money.”
The NSW government has justified the move, stating that new restrictions on trading hours are intended to “better represent the deep significance of Anzac Day”.
Alcohol Availability Across Australia
Here’s a breakdown of where you can buy alcohol on Anzac Day across Australia:
- NSW: Bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must remain closed. Small independent shops with four or fewer employees on one day, and liquor shops attached to pubs are exempt. The new Monday Anzac Day public holiday will operate as a normal trading day.
- ACT: No mandated restrictions. But most bottle shops open from 1pm.
- Northern Territory: No mandated restrictions. Most operate with reduced hours, opening from 12pm.
- Tasmania: Retailers, including bottle shops, can open from 12.30pm.
- Victoria: Retailers, including bottle shops, can open from 1pm.
- South Australia: Retailers, including bottle shops, can remain open between 12pm and 5pm in Adelaide CBD only. Stores in other areas, such as metropolitan shopping districts and Glenelg, will remain closed. Some exemptions apply.
- Western Australia: All bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must remain closed, unless exempt.
Final Thoughts
The debate around Anzac Day trading restrictions continues, with businesses and consumers caught in the middle. While the government aims to honour the significance of the day, critics argue that the impact on small businesses and everyday Australians is disproportionate. As the discussion unfolds, it remains to be seen how these restrictions will affect the community in the long run.
