For the first time, most bottle shops across New South Wales (NSW) will be closed on Anzac Day, which falls on Friday, April 25, 2025. This significant change in trading hours was announced in July 2024, aiming to foster greater respect and reflection on this national day of remembrance, honoring the sacrifices made by servicemen and women.
The Endeavour Group’s liquor stores, which include popular chains like Dan Murphy’s and BWS, along with Coles’ liquor outlets, have confirmed that the majority of their stores will remain closed throughout the day. Only selected Dan Murphy’s and BWS locations attached to ALH Hotels will remain operational, allowing some limited access to takeaway alcohol.
Anzac Day is a day of national significance in both Australia and New Zealand, commemorating over 1.5 million servicemen and women who have participated in various conflicts, wars, and peacekeeping missions. Traditionally observed on April 25 each year, it serves as a public holiday dedicated to remembrance.
In the past, NSW retailers were permitted to trade after 1 PM on Anzac Day, with many people using the morning hours to attend commemorative services. However, NSW Premier Chris Minns emphasized that the “creeping commercialization” of Anzac Day had detracted from its true meaning. “The nation’s national day is Anzac Day,” Minns stated in July last year. “It is an opportunity for our community to come together to recognize people that have given the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country that we all live in, and, for the first time in a long time, acknowledge that it is a special day that should be set aside for commemoration of that important event.”
On the other hand, Retail Drinks has criticized the decision, labeling it as “un-Australian.” Shane Madden, founder and owner of the organization, expressed concerns about the potential confusion for regular customers. “People will be baffled when they decide to go to their local liquor store, the one they have been going to for decades on Anzac Day, and find the doors are shut,” he stated. “The inability for people in regional towns to purchase liquor and other retail items from their local store on the Friday of the long weekend is going to create unnecessary angst and inconvenience … on one of Australia’s most important days this is simply un-Australian.”
Meanwhile, Victoria will also observe the Anzac Day public holiday on the same day, marking the 110th anniversary of the Gallipoli landing. This day holds immense national significance, prompting dawn services and various commemorative events across the state. Under Victorian legislation, Anzac Day is recognized as a restricted trading day, requiring most retailers to cease trading from 12:01 AM until 1 PM on April 25, 2025. However, essential services such as medical clinics, chemists, petrol stations, and cafes are allowed to operate during this period.
Major supermarkets in Victoria, including Woolworths, Coles, and Aldi, will open their doors after the restricted trading period, with Woolworths and Coles resuming operations from 1 PM. Some independent markets, like the South Melbourne Market and the Queen Victoria Market, will remain closed throughout Anzac Day. Alcohol retailers will also be affected, with Dan Murphy’s, Liquorland, and BWS all set to open at 1 PM.
Shopping centers in Victoria, such as Chadstone and all Westfield locations, will also welcome shoppers from 1 PM onwards. Department stores and hardware chains like Kmart, Myer, Big W, and Bunnings will follow suit, reopening their doors in the afternoon. Cinemas will commence operations after the morning commemorative services, with major chains like Hoyts and Palace opening from 1 PM.
In contrast, banks and Australia Post outlets will remain closed on Anzac Day, as is customary for all public holidays. Public Transport Victoria is set to operate extra services to facilitate travel to dawn services, with free travel offered to veterans, war widows, Australian Defence Force members, Scouts, Guides, and students in uniform.
Victorians are encouraged to participate in Anzac Day services, with major ceremonies held at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne and regional events in towns like Ballarat and Bendigo. Despite the reopening of many businesses after 1 PM, the morning remains a dedicated time for reflection and remembrance.
As Australians prepare for the Anzac Day long weekend, it is crucial to be mindful of the varied opening hours across different states. In NSW, all Woolworths and Coles stores will be closed, while in Victoria, most major supermarkets will open after 1 PM. The situation is similar for other retailers, with many stores operating under restricted hours to honor the day’s significance.
In summary, the trading hours for major supermarkets and liquor stores on Anzac Day will vary significantly from state to state. Customers are advised to check local opening hours to avoid any surprises. As the nation pauses to reflect on the sacrifices of its servicemen and servicewomen, it is essential to remember the true meaning of Anzac Day and the importance of honoring those who have served.
