NSW Bottle Shops Closed All Day On Anzac Day

The law, passed in NSW last year, applies to supermarkets, independent bottle shops, and major liquor retailers. It is the first time these businesses will be shut for the entire day on April 25, a move the state government says better reflects the solemn significance of Anzac Day. 

Most outlets operated by the Endeavour Group—including Dan Murphy’s, BWS, and Coles alcohol stores—will be closed. However, select Dan Murphy’s and BWS locations attached to Australian Leisure and Hospitality (ALH) group hotels will remain open, and takeaway alcohol sales from pubs will still be permitted.

Industry Pushback Over Full-Day Closures

The decision has been met with strong criticism from Retail Drinks Australia, the national industry body representing liquor retailers. Retail industry slams the full-day ban as “unfair and anticompetitive”. 

“As a key sector within the broader liquor industry, our members have retailed responsibly and respectfully on this day for decades, servicing their local communities – they respect the significance and importance of Anzac Day,” said Michael Waters, chief executive of Retail Drinks Australia, in a statement to 9NEWS.

“People taking part in Anzac Day should be able to commemorate however they choose, whether attending community ceremonies, joining family and friends at a BBQ, or having a quiet drink remembering old mates,” Mr Waters added.

The rules place NSW among the most restrictive states for Anzac Day trading. Western Australia also enforces a full-day shutdown, while states such as Victoria and Tasmania allow retailers to open from 1 pm and 12:30 pm respectively. The ACT and Northern Territory impose no trading restrictions.