22-04-2025
Thousands of liquor stores and supermarkets will be closed on Anzac Day across New South Wales
Liquor stores and supermarkets across New South Wales will be shut on Anzac Day as the state's premier affirms his support for retail closures 'in remembrance of our veterans'.
New restricted Anzac Day trading hours for retailers were announced by the NSW government in July last year in an effort to respect veterans and ensure people could take part in services throughout the day.
Retailers such as liquor stores, supermarkets and fashion outlets could previously open on the public holiday at 1pm, but the new Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Act 2024 required stores to stay shut until midnight.
Endeavour Group liquor brands Dan Murphy's and BWS will be affected by the change, with the group confirming most locations across NSW will remain closed for the entire day on Friday.
It will be the first time the majority of Dan Murphy's and BWS stores statewide will not open on the public holiday.
Selected Endeavour Group liquor outlets in NSW attached to ALH Hotels will remain open, and most Dan Murphy's and BWS stores in other states will trade from 1pm on Friday.
Endeavour Group is encouraging NSW customers to visit the liquor stores earlier in the week to avoid disappointment.
Coles Group liquor stores in NSW, including Liquorland and Vintage Cellars, will also be affected.
NSW Premier Chris Minns posted on social media on Monday saying the state government is 'delivering on our promise' to keep store doors closed 'in remembrance of our veterans and their service to our country'.
'This ensures people can take part in events throughout the day to commemorate the more than 1.5 million service men and women who have served our country in all conflicts, wars and peacekeeping operations," Mr Minns' post on Facebook said.
'We owe these people a massive debt of gratitude and can afford to pause our shopping for one day to honour that sacrifice.'
The new restrictions do not apply to small businesses and those not considered retailers or that have exemptions such as cafes, markets, chemists and takeaway restaurants.
Retail Drinks Australia has called on NSW Parliament to "address the unfair, discriminatory, and anti-competitive laws," a statement from the national industry body on Tuesday said.
The new restricted Anzac Day trading hours will "unfairly impact" 2400 packaged liquor retailers, or around 80 per cent of bottle stores, across the state, the statement said.
Retail Drinks Australia chief executive Michael Waters said the body had appealed to the NSW Premier for "fairness".
"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," Mr Waters said.
