Liquor stores in this state announce closure on ANZAC long weekend. Why?
- Replies 0
ANZAC Day is a solemn occasion for Australians and New Zealanders.
This day honours the brave men and women who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
As ANZAC Day weekend lurks around the corner, Aussies need to be aware of some significant changes to their usual routines.
Observed every 25th of April, it's a public holiday deeply rooted in history.
ANZAC Day commemorates the service of over 1.5 million servicemen and women.
For the first time, all bottle shops across New South Wales will be closed on ANZAC Day this year.
This change may come as a surprise to many who have not been caught up with the recent changes in trading hours.
The decision to shut down liquor stores was first announced in July 2024, with the intention of fostering a greater sense of respect and reflection.
The NSW government hoped that by keeping bottle shops closed for the day, the community would have a better opportunity to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia.
While this closure may disrupt some plans, it's crucial to remember the significance of ANZAC Day.
Traditionally, many businesses close or operate on restricted hours so people can attend dawn services or reflect on the day's importance.
Up until this year, NSW retailers were permitted to open after 1 pm, after the morning's commemorative activities.
However, this change should mark a shift towards a more reflective ANZAC Day.
NSW Premier Chris Minns previously spoke about the 'creeping commercialisation' of ANZAC Day and emphasised the need to preserve its sanctity.
'The nation's national day is ANZAC Day,' Premier Minns stated.
'It is an opportunity for our community to come together to recognise people who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country that we all live in.'
Despite the good intentions, the move also brought some controversy.
Retail Drinks, a representative body for the drinks industry, criticised the change.
'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,' Retail Drinks founder Shane Madden stated.
'The inability of 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.'
Outside NSW, liquor stores in other states may have differing operating hours.
Liquor stores in Queensland, except stores in Brisbane Airport, will be closed the whole day.
Meanwhile, stores in Victoria and ACT will be open from 1 pm.
Stores in the Northern Territory and Tasmania will be open from 12 pm and 12:30 pm, respectively.
The majority of the stores in South and Western Australia will be closed.
As Australia prepares for ANZAC Day, it's an opportunity to honour the spirit of the day.
Whether it's attending a dawn service, participating in a local march, or taking a moment of silence at home, everyone should remember the sacrifices made by so many for the freedom Australia enjoys today.
We encourage everyone to share their thoughts on this change. What are your traditions, and how do you feel about the closure of liquor stores on this significant day? Let us know in the comments section below!
This day honours the brave men and women who have served in conflicts and peacekeeping operations.
As ANZAC Day weekend lurks around the corner, Aussies need to be aware of some significant changes to their usual routines.
Observed every 25th of April, it's a public holiday deeply rooted in history.
ANZAC Day commemorates the service of over 1.5 million servicemen and women.
For the first time, all bottle shops across New South Wales will be closed on ANZAC Day this year.
This change may come as a surprise to many who have not been caught up with the recent changes in trading hours.
Retailers with exemptions, such as pubs, hotels, and restaurants are still allowed to sell liquor on ANZAC Day. Image Credit: Pexels/Luciann Photography
The decision to shut down liquor stores was first announced in July 2024, with the intention of fostering a greater sense of respect and reflection.
The NSW government hoped that by keeping bottle shops closed for the day, the community would have a better opportunity to honour those who made the ultimate sacrifice for Australia.
While this closure may disrupt some plans, it's crucial to remember the significance of ANZAC Day.
Traditionally, many businesses close or operate on restricted hours so people can attend dawn services or reflect on the day's importance.
Up until this year, NSW retailers were permitted to open after 1 pm, after the morning's commemorative activities.
However, this change should mark a shift towards a more reflective ANZAC Day.
NSW Premier Chris Minns previously spoke about the 'creeping commercialisation' of ANZAC Day and emphasised the need to preserve its sanctity.
'The nation's national day is ANZAC Day,' Premier Minns stated.
'It is an opportunity for our community to come together to recognise people who have made the ultimate sacrifice in the service of the country that we all live in.'
Despite the good intentions, the move also brought some controversy.
Retail Drinks, a representative body for the drinks industry, criticised the change.
'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,' Retail Drinks founder Shane Madden stated.
'The inability of 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.'
Outside NSW, liquor stores in other states may have differing operating hours.
Liquor stores in Queensland, except stores in Brisbane Airport, will be closed the whole day.
Meanwhile, stores in Victoria and ACT will be open from 1 pm.
Stores in the Northern Territory and Tasmania will be open from 12 pm and 12:30 pm, respectively.
The majority of the stores in South and Western Australia will be closed.
As Australia prepares for ANZAC Day, it's an opportunity to honour the spirit of the day.
Whether it's attending a dawn service, participating in a local march, or taking a moment of silence at home, everyone should remember the sacrifices made by so many for the freedom Australia enjoys today.
