For the first time, strict retail trading restrictions will apply across New South Wales this Anzac Day, forcing most bottle shops to be closed for the entire day in a move that has been slammed as “anticompetitive” by a peak body.
New legislation passed in the state last year forces major retailers such as supermarkets, shops, bottle shops and alcohol retailers to close for the entire day on April 25, marking a major shift from previous years when trading was allowed after 1pm.
However, Retail Drinks Australia has slammed the move by the NSW government, calling it “unfair, discriminatory, and anticompetitive”.
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“As a key sector within the broader liquor industry, our members have retailed responsibly and respectfully on this day for decades, servicing their local communities – they respect the significance and importance of Anzac Day,” chief executive Michael Waters said.
He said alcohol retailers want to continue operating from 1pm, as they have done in the past.
“People taking part in Anzac Day should be able to commemorate however they choose, whether attending community ceremonies, joining family and friends at a BBQ, or having a quiet drink remembering old mates,” Waters said.
He called on the government to “be fair and balanced when making laws”, claiming the changes discriminate against bottle shops “at a time when individuals and businesses alike are struggling to make ends meet”.
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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”.
Western Australia is the only other state with full restrictions on alcohol trading for Anzac Day.
The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA) has long advocated for the change, arguing Anzac Day should “commemorate the sacrifices of Australia’s service men and women”.
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“We owe our veterans and current serving ADF personnel a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice 365 days a year. We can all stop shopping for one whole day to commemorate that sacrifice”, NSW SDA secretary Bernie Smith said.
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge has also backed the new laws, saying “it’s important that every Australian has the opportunity to pause, reflect and honour those who have served and who continue to serve”.
Anzac Day alcohol trading across Australia
NSW: All bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must remain closed, unless exempt.
The only exceptions are liquor stores attached to hotels and takeaway alcohol sales from pubs, which are not subject to the new restrictions.
ACT: No restrictions. All retailers, including bottle shops, can remain open as usual.
Northern Territory: No restrictions. All retailers, including bottle shops, can remain open as usual.
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. Exemptions apply.
Western Australia: All bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must remain closed, unless exempt.
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