National Liquor News can confirm that liquor retailers in NSW will be required to shut for the entirety of Anzac Day under new trading restrictions announced by the NSW Government, as part of the Retail Trading Act.
Though it was initially unclear whether liquor retailers would be included in the extended retail trading restrictions announced on 10 July, Retail Drinks Australia has now confirmed that this restriction also applies to liquor retailers. However, there is an exemption for small shops, as defined in Section 8 of the Retail Trading Act.
The NSW Government said that these extended trading restrictions reflect the importance of Anzac Day and ensure that people can attend afternoon commemoration ceremonies.
Minister for Veterans, David Harris, spoke in support of the restrictions.
“Anzac Day is a national day of commemoration for the community to come together and acknowledge the sacrifice of Australian servicemen and women in defence of our nation and our way of life. Extending trading restrictions on Anzac Day ensures that the sanctity of remembrance is given the status it deserves,” he said.
Michael Waters, CEO, Retail Drinks Australia, said that the extended restrictions were unfair and are difficult for retailers to navigate.
“Retail Drinks strongly opposes last week’s announcement by the NSW Government to extend retail trading restrictions on Anzac Day and has made further representations to the Premier, Minister for Industrial Relations, Minister for Gaming & Racing, and the Opposition seeking their support to resolve this unfair, discriminatory, and anti-competitive issue.
“The existing rules governing Anzac Day trading are confusing and complex, with the ability of packaged retail liquor licences to trade arbitrarily determined by factors such as the size and structure of their businesses. Under the existing and the proposed arrangements, liquor retailers are at a significant disadvantage compared to other liquor licence categories, which can trade unrestricted throughout the entire day, through exemptions,” he said.
The extended trading restrictions will disproportionately affect independent retailers.
“This decision will ultimately result in around 80 per cent of the NSW packaged retail liquor sector being unable to trade, of which, around two thirds are small to medium independently owned and operated businesses. This decision impacts business owners, their staff, who freely elect to work and earn penalty rates, and importantly, it inconveniences their customers,” Waters said.
In addition, Waters said that people should have the choice to recognise Anzac Day in the way that feels right for them, and that liquor retail supports diverse ways of engaging with the important occasion.
“It’s important to acknowledge that people reflect, celebrate, and participate in Anzac Day in their own ways. Some attend dawn and post-dawn services, others choose to spend the day with family and friends either at home or elsewhere. For some it can be a difficult day for many reasons,” he said.
“The liquor industry, including the retail liquor sector, contributes to the fabric of this important day, supporting sociability and people coming together responsibly however they may choose.”