The NSW Government has announced it is planning to extend Anzac Day trading hour restrictions, which currently require retail stores to close until 1pm on 25 April, with the new restrictions requiring stores to remain closed until midnight.
The announcement follows a review into ANZAC Day trading restrictions that commenced last year, and a public consultation period that ran from September to October.
The current restrictions apply to businesses such as supermarkets and fashion retailers, as part of the Retail Trading Act. Some businesses such as pharmacies, newsagents, and takeaway food outlets are not required to close as they are not considered retailers or have an exemption from the restriction.
It is not clear if the extended restrictions will apply to liquor retailers, and the NSW Government has been approached for clarification. An update will be provided when more information is available.
NSW Premier Chris Minns said that the restrictions reflect the importance of Anzac Day.
“For Australians, no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day. As of next year, NSW will extend our retail trading restrictions across Anzac Day, to make sure our veterans are recognised and free to take part in services throughout the 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.
Acting Minister for Industrial Relations, Tara Moriarty said that the extended restrictions will allow people to attend all available commemoration services.
“If we restrict retail trading out of respect for dawn services, why do we allow retail trading when afternoon and sunset services occur? We can’t be half-hearted about ANZAC Day,” she said.
Many states have Anzac Day trading restrictions, and the extended trading hours in NSW have received support from veterans, veterans’ organisations and members of the public.
