Easter alert: Surprising places that don't sell alcohol and holiday trading hours to know
By
Gian T
- Replies 7
As the Easter holiday approaches, not just the Easter Bunny needs to be prepared; savvy shoppers and social hosts must also plan ahead.
With family gatherings, festive meals, and perhaps a toast to the season, it's essential to know where and when you can purchase alcohol and the trading hours of your favourite stores.
The Seniors Discount Club ensures you're not left in a lurch, with a basket full of chocolate but no wine to wash it down.
Navigating the Maze of Liquor Laws
Australia's patchwork of liquor laws means that each state and territory has its own rules regarding the sale of alcohol over the Easter period.
These regulations can be quite a surprise for those who are unaccustomed to the changes, and they can vary significantly from one region to the next.
In New South Wales, for example, Good Friday is a dry day for takeaway alcohol. Bottle shops are closed, and pubs and restaurants only serve drinks with meals.
Victoria has similar restrictions, though some venues with special permits may remain open.
Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory have their variations on the theme, with varying degrees of restriction on Good Friday.
The Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania, on the other hand, offer a reprieve from these restrictions.
There will be no changes to the regular sale of alcohol over the Easter weekend.
This is a boon for those in the ACT and Tasmania, who can enjoy their holiday tipples without interruption.
Holiday Trading Hours for Retail Giants
Beyond the complexities of alcohol sales, the Easter weekend also changes major retailers' trading hours.
This can affect not only your ability to buy alcohol but also your access to groceries, home goods, and more.
With most stores closed, Woolworths will take a break on Good Friday but resume operations on Easter Saturday.
Coles follows a similar pattern, with some stores offering reduced hours.
ALDI gives its staff a day off on Good Friday. Normal trading resumes on Saturday, and selected stores are open on Easter Sunday and Monday.
For those with DIY aspirations or needing hardware, Bunnings Warehouse will be closed on Good Friday but will open for the rest of the weekend, with some exceptions in NSW.
Kmart also takes a breather on Good Friday, and depending on the state, its hours will vary for the rest of the weekend.
Dan Murphy's, a favourite among wine and spirits enthusiasts, will shut its doors on Good Friday but will be back to serve you on Easter Saturday, with some stores operating on reduced hours.
By Easter Monday, most locations will return to their regular trading schedule.
It's important to remember that these are general guidelines, and local variations may apply.
Always check the specific trading hours of your local stores to avoid disappointment.
The most up-to-date information can be obtained by a quick phone call or a visit to the retailer's website.
Planning for a Smooth Easter Weekend
With this guide, you can confidently plan your Easter weekend, ensuring you have all the essentials for your celebrations.
Whether you're hosting a family dinner, enjoying a quiet weekend at home, or tackling some home projects, knowing the trading hours and alcohol restrictions will help you avoid any last-minute rushes or frustrations.
While you're out shopping, don't forget to inquire about any senior discounts that might be available.
Many retailers offer special deals for seniors, which can help stretch your holiday budget further.
Do you have plans lined up for the weekend? Feel free to share your Easter plans and any tips you have for navigating the holiday period in the comments below.
With family gatherings, festive meals, and perhaps a toast to the season, it's essential to know where and when you can purchase alcohol and the trading hours of your favourite stores.
The Seniors Discount Club ensures you're not left in a lurch, with a basket full of chocolate but no wine to wash it down.
Navigating the Maze of Liquor Laws
Australia's patchwork of liquor laws means that each state and territory has its own rules regarding the sale of alcohol over the Easter period.
These regulations can be quite a surprise for those who are unaccustomed to the changes, and they can vary significantly from one region to the next.
In New South Wales, for example, Good Friday is a dry day for takeaway alcohol. Bottle shops are closed, and pubs and restaurants only serve drinks with meals.
Victoria has similar restrictions, though some venues with special permits may remain open.
Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, and the Northern Territory have their variations on the theme, with varying degrees of restriction on Good Friday.
The Australian Capital Territory and Tasmania, on the other hand, offer a reprieve from these restrictions.
There will be no changes to the regular sale of alcohol over the Easter weekend.
This is a boon for those in the ACT and Tasmania, who can enjoy their holiday tipples without interruption.
Holiday Trading Hours for Retail Giants
Beyond the complexities of alcohol sales, the Easter weekend also changes major retailers' trading hours.
This can affect not only your ability to buy alcohol but also your access to groceries, home goods, and more.
With most stores closed, Woolworths will take a break on Good Friday but resume operations on Easter Saturday.
Coles follows a similar pattern, with some stores offering reduced hours.
ALDI gives its staff a day off on Good Friday. Normal trading resumes on Saturday, and selected stores are open on Easter Sunday and Monday.
For those with DIY aspirations or needing hardware, Bunnings Warehouse will be closed on Good Friday but will open for the rest of the weekend, with some exceptions in NSW.
Kmart also takes a breather on Good Friday, and depending on the state, its hours will vary for the rest of the weekend.
Dan Murphy's, a favourite among wine and spirits enthusiasts, will shut its doors on Good Friday but will be back to serve you on Easter Saturday, with some stores operating on reduced hours.
By Easter Monday, most locations will return to their regular trading schedule.
It's important to remember that these are general guidelines, and local variations may apply.
Always check the specific trading hours of your local stores to avoid disappointment.
The most up-to-date information can be obtained by a quick phone call or a visit to the retailer's website.
Planning for a Smooth Easter Weekend
With this guide, you can confidently plan your Easter weekend, ensuring you have all the essentials for your celebrations.
Whether you're hosting a family dinner, enjoying a quiet weekend at home, or tackling some home projects, knowing the trading hours and alcohol restrictions will help you avoid any last-minute rushes or frustrations.
While you're out shopping, don't forget to inquire about any senior discounts that might be available.
Many retailers offer special deals for seniors, which can help stretch your holiday budget further.
Key Takeaways
- There are various trading restrictions on liquor sales across different states and territories in Australia during the Easter weekend.
- Good Friday generally sees the most stringent alcohol trading restrictions, with many bottle shops and retail outlets closed across the country.
- Trading hours for popular retailers such as Woolworths, Coles, Aldi, Kmart, and Bunnings may vary during the Easter weekend, with some exceptions based on location and state.
- Planning ahead and being aware of the specific trading hours for your local stores can help ensure a hassle-free Easter shopping experience.