New South Wales legislation passed in 2024 requires approximately 80% of bottle shops in the state to remain closed for the entire day on April 25 (Anzac Day). This marks a change from the previous law, which permitted liquor retailers to trade from 1pm. The new restrictions apply to major liquor chains and larger bottle shops, with exemptions for small independent operators and bottle shops attached to pubs.
Key Details of the Restrictions
- Effective Date: The legislation was passed and became effective in 2024.
- Scope: Approximately 80% of bottle shops in New South Wales are required to remain closed for the full day on Anzac Day.
- Previous Policy: Prior to 2024, liquor retailers in NSW were permitted to trade from 1:00pm on Anzac Day.
- Affected Businesses: The restrictions apply to larger bottle shops and popular liquor chains.
Exemptions
The following businesses are exempt from the closure requirement and may trade as normal:
- Small Independent Operators: Bottle shops with four or fewer employees working on Anzac Day.
- Bottle Shops Attached to Pubs: These venues are permitted to trade.
- Hospitality Venues: Pubs, clubs, restaurants, and cafes are not subject to the bottle shop restrictions and can operate as normal.
Official Rationale
The New South Wales government stated the restrictions are intended to ensure the service of veterans is recognized and to allow people to participate in commemorative services throughout the day.
The government added that the new trading hour restrictions are meant to "better represent the deep significance of Anzac Day."
Industry Response
Retail Drinks Australia, an industry body representing liquor retailers, has opposed the rule since it was announced by the Minns government 18 months ago. The group is advocating for a return to the previous policy that allowed trade from 1pm.
Michael Waters, CEO of Retail Drinks Australia, stated the following:
- The organization estimates the restrictions result in over $40 million in lost income for the industry.
- The rule prevents over 10,000 employees from working and earning penalty rates.
- Small stores lose approximately $15,000 in income, while larger stores lose nearly $36,000.
- Consumers may face higher costs or longer travel distances to access alcohol due to the closures.
Additional Context: The Monday Public Holiday
- In years when Anzac Day falls on a weekend, a substitute public holiday is observed on the following Monday.
- This Monday is not a restricted trading day, so retail shops can operate as usual, though employers must pay penalty rates.
- Michael Waters noted that businesses choosing to trade on this public holiday would be required to pay employees double time and a half penalty rates.
Trading Rules Across Other Australian Jurisdictions
Anzac Day trading restrictions for alcohol vary by state and territory:
Jurisdiction Bottle Shop Trading Rules on Anzac Day New South Wales Bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must remain closed (with the exemptions noted above). Australian Capital Territory No mandated restrictions. 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 can remain open between 12pm and 5pm in the Adelaide CBD only. Stores in other specified areas remain closed, with some exemptions. Western Australia All bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must remain closed, unless exempt.