New South Wales to Close Bottle Shops Entirely on Anzac Day 2025

Sydney, Australia – For the first time, retail trading restrictions will apply across New South Wales on Anzac Day, April 25, 2025. New legislation mandates that most bottle shops remain closed for the entire day, a change criticized by industry representatives as “anticompetitive.”

The law, passed last year, bars major retailers including supermarkets and alcohol stores from trading all day on Anzac Day. Previously, these establishments were permitted to open after 1 p.m.

Retail Drinks Australia has condemned the new restrictions. Chief executive Michael Waters called the move “unfair, discriminatory, and anticompetitive.” He noted that alcohol retailers have responsibly served their communities on Anzac Day for many years. “People participating in Anzac Day should be able to commemorate however they choose,” Waters said, emphasizing the need for retailers to operate from 1 p.m. as in previous years.

The NSW government maintains that the restrictions aim to “better represent the deep significance of Anzac Day.” Western Australia is the only other state with similar full-day trading prohibitions.

Supporters of the new law include the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA). Secretary Bernie Smith argued that Australians should take a day off shopping to honor their veterans. “We owe our veterans a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice 365 days a year,” he stated.

RSL NSW President Mick Bainbridge backed the legislation, saying it’s vital for Australians to pause and reflect on those who have served. He noted, “It’s important that every Australian has the opportunity to honor those who have served and continue to serve.”

Under the new ruling, all bottle shops and supermarkets selling alcohol must close on Anzac Day unless exempt. There are exceptions for hotel-attached liquor stores and takeaway sales from pubs.

Retail trading hours across Australia for Anzac Day differ widely. In the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), there are no restrictions. Conversely, retailers can open in the Northern Territory, while Tasmania allows sales starting from 12:30 p.m. and Victoria from 1 p.m.

In Queensland and South Australia, Coles and Woolworths will close entirely on Anzac Day. Shopping hours for other retailers vary, with some restrictions in place in states like South Australia and Western Australia.

Despite the closures, some businesses will open later in the day for essential goods. Under the Retail Trading Act, certain stores may operate, including pharmacies, bakeries, and grocery stores, providing some options for communities.

Meanwhile, pubs will remain open, hosting traditional games of Two-Up, while food delivery services like Menulog and Uber Eats will continue operations, though customers can expect longer wait times.

As Australians prepare to observe this significant day, the new laws will reshape how many commemorate the sacrifices of servicemen and women.