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

The updated laws will prevent bottle shops from opening on April 25, 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 public consultation by the state government, which ran from September to October 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 ‘it’s 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

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.

Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores that are attached ALH Hotels across NSW will also be exempt, which will trade in line with the hotel’s licence. 

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.

Most Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores in other states will trade from 1pm on ANZAC Day, except those attached to ALH Hotels, which will trade in line with the hotel’s licence. 

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

In a statement to Daily Mail Australia, Endeavour Group, who own BWS and Dan Murphy’s said ‘For the first time, this year most NSW Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores will not open on ANZAC Day, and will remain closed for the entire day in line with the new Retail Trading Amendment (ANZAC Day Trading Hours) Act 2024. 

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

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

Only selected Dan Murphy’s and BWS stores that are attached to ALH Hotels across the state will be open… Customers can check which stores will be open online by visiting bws.com.au and danmurphys.com.au.’ they added.    

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.

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