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 criticized the move by the NSW government, calling it "unfair, discriminatory, and anticompetitive." Chief executive Michael Waters stated, "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." He emphasized that 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 added.
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." SDA secretary Bernie Smith said, "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." RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge also backed the new laws, stating, "It's important that every Australian has the opportunity to pause, reflect and honour those who have served and who continue to serve."
In New South Wales on Anzac Day, April 25, 2025, 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.
Across Australia, the trading rules for Anzac Day vary significantly. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), there are no restrictions, allowing all retailers, including bottle shops, to remain open as usual. Meanwhile, in the Northern Territory, retailers, including bottle shops, can also remain open as normal.
In Tasmania, retailers, including bottle shops, can open from 12:30pm, while in Victoria, they can open from 1pm. South Australia has a more limited approach, allowing retailers, including bottle shops, to remain open between 12pm and 5pm only in Adelaide's CBD, with stores in other areas remaining closed.
In Western Australia, all bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must remain closed, unless exempt. This patchwork of rules highlights the varying approaches to Anzac Day across the country, reflecting a blend of respect for the day’s significance and the need for businesses to operate.
Anzac Day is a time for reflection, respect, and remembrance. On April 25, we honor the brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Gallipoli campaign in 1915, a day when approximately 8,141 Australians and New Zealanders tragically lost their lives.
While most businesses remain closed to observe this important occasion, some stores will open later in the day with reduced hours, providing a helping hand for anyone needing to grab last-minute essentials. Under the Retail Trading Act, businesses listed in “Schedule 1” are allowed to open on Anzac Day.
Stores that can open include bazaars, fairs, and markets organized for charitable causes or public fundraising, as well as book stores, bakeries, pharmacies, delis, florists, fresh produce shops, newsstands, pet supply stores, music retailers, restaurants, cafes, seafood vendors, and takeaway outlets.
In Victoria, Coles and Woolworths will open from 1pm, while in Tasmania, they will start even earlier at 12:30pm. In the Northern Territory, most Woolworths and Coles stores will open after 12pm, but it’s wise to double-check local hours.
In South Australia, however, no groceries will be available from Coles or Woolworths on Anzac Day. In Perth, Woolworths stores will remain closed, although some regional locations may still be open.
In Queensland, Coles and Woolworths will be completely shut down on Anzac Day. Aldi store hours vary by location, so customers should check online for their local hours.
Kmart shoppers will find it complicated, as stores in NSW, Queensland, and WA will be closed, while in the ACT, Kmart will open from 1:30pm. In Victoria and South Australia, Kmart will open at 1pm.
Shopping Centres like Westfield in Victoria and the ACT will open from 1pm, but in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and New South Wales, they will be closed.
Bunnings is a mixed bag; stores in the ACT, NT, and Victoria will open from 1pm, while those in South Australia and most Western Australian stores will open from midday. Unfortunately for Queensland shoppers, they will have to wait until the 26th.
As for pubs, they will remain open across the country, with many hosting games of Two-Up. For those looking to send letters or packages, post offices will be closed on Anzac Day, but food delivery services like Menulog and Uber Eats will still be operational, though customers should expect longer wait times.
Most cinemas will also be open, providing entertainment options for those looking to enjoy a film on this solemn day.
In summary, Anzac Day 2025 will see significant changes in retail trading hours, particularly in New South Wales, where most shops will be closed all day. The varying regulations across states reflect a balance between honoring the day’s significance and allowing for some retail activity. As Australians prepare to commemorate the sacrifices of their servicemen and women, the new laws will undoubtedly impact how they observe this important occasion.
