Aussie state to close ALL bottle shops on Anzac Day for first time ever - what you need to know

Bottle shops in NSW will be completely closed on Anzac Day for the first time ever due to new trading hour regulations.

Falling on Friday, April 25, the updated laws will prevent bottle shops from opening that day, with trading set to resume the following morning. 

Introduced in July last year, the changes will also affect other retailers that were previously allowed to open from 1pm, including department stores and supermarkets. 

The NSW Government hopes it will inspire more people to use the day for reflection and to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

The change was made following consultation by the state government, which ran from September to October in 2023. 

The government says the move received strong support from veterans, veterans organisations, and the public. 

RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge welcomed the decision saying its important that every Australian has the opportunity to pause, reflect and honour those who have served and who continue to serve. 

We must do all that we can to preserve the Anzac spirit and ensure the unique sacrifices of our servicemen and women, past and present, and their contribution to our Australian way of life are never forgotten, he added. 

The store closures intend to encourage more people in NSW to commemorate Anzac Day

Premier Chris Minns justified the decision, saying no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day.

It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy, he said.

Exemptions are in place for other venues including markets, small retailers, bars, cafes, chemists, newsagencies and takeaway restaurants.

NSW isn’t alone in enforcing full Anzac Day closures, Queensland supermarkets will also be shut all day, except for Brisbane Airport’s Woolworths, which opens at 1pm.

Queensland liquor stores vary, with Dan Murphy’s opening from 1pm, while others like BWS remain closed.

In Victoria and the ACT, Coles and Woolworths will open from 1pm, in Tasmania at 12:30pm and in the Northern Territory from midday.

Most stores in South Australia and Western Australia will be closed, with some exceptions.

Shoppers are advised to check local trading hours ahead of Friday to avoid being caught out.

Bottle shops and supermarkets in NSW previously opened at 1pm on AnzacDay

There have been previous calls to extend Anzac Day closures further, with independent NSW MPs urging the inclusion of poker machines in the restrictions.

The proposal aimed to preserve two-up, a traditional Anzac Day game, while specifically banning pokies.

However, Premier Chris Minns rejected the idea, stating that individuals should be free to make their own choices.

This week, North Bondi RSL made headlines for scrapping two-up at its venue, opting instead to create a more family-friendly atmosphere.