For the first time, most bottle shops across NSW will be closed on this Anzac Day, potentially leaving many caught off guard.
The change in trading hours on Anzac Day was announced in July in 2024 in hopes to encourage greater respect and reflection on the day, honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the country.
As a result, most bottle shops selling packaged liquor in NSW will remain closed for the entire day this Friday.
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The Endeavour Group’s liquor stores, including Dan Murphy’s and BWS, as well as Coles’ liquor outlets, have confirmed most of their stores will be closed in NSW.
Only selected Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores attached to ALH Hotels across the state will remain open.
However, retailers with exemptions, such as cafes, restaurants, pubs, clubs, chemists, and newsagents, will be permitted to trade throughout the day.
Takeaway alcohol will still be available from hotels, clubs, restaurants, and bars.
Anzac Day is a national day of remembrance in Australia and New Zealand, commemorating more than 1.5 million servicemen and women who have served in all conflicts, wars, and peacekeeping operations.
Falling on April 25 each year, the day is a public holiday in both countries.
Many businesses close or operate on restricted hours to allow people to attend services or reflect on the significance of the day.
Until 2025, NSW retailers were allowed to trade after 1pm on April 25 each year, with most people using the morning to pay their respects.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said that the “creeping commercialisation” of Anzac Day had detracted from its true meaning.
“The nation’s national day is Anzac Day,” Minns said in July last year.
“It is an opportunity for our community to come together to recognise 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 is a special day that should be set aside for commemoration of that important event.”
Minns reiterated on Monday the promise will be delivered.
“We owe these people a massive debt of gratitude and can afford to pause our shopping for one day to honour that sacrifice,” he said.
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Retail Drinks has criticised the change, calling it “un-Australian”.
“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,” said founder and owner Shane Madden.
“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.”
There are different trading restrictions in other states and while most of the stores will be open on Anzac Day, it is best to check with local stores for specifics.
