'Kick in the guts': most Hunter bottleshops forced to close on Anzac Day (2025)

New changes to NSW Fair Trading restrictions mean that as of April 25, all retail shops will have to stay closed on Anzac Day to "ensure the service of veterans is recognised" and people can take part in services throughout the day.

Shops were previously required to remain closed until 1pm on Anzac Day.

Retail Drinks Australia has called on all sides of the state government to address what it calls "unfair", "discriminatory" and "anti-competitive" laws, given that other licensed venues will be able to trade and sell takeaway alcohol.

Luke Dickinson manages the Bottle-O at Wickham and Lambton, as well as Cellarbrations at Newcastle and Adamstown.

Mr Dickinson said the new laws were a "bit of a kick in the guts".

"My impression is the government is trying to stop owners of shops forcing people to work on some of these days, which we aren't allowed to do anyway, it has to be optional," he said.

"I've got about 15 to 20 guys who work for me, and they're all uni students, they love public holiday rates."

Mr Dickinson said the changes mean permanent part-time and full-time workers would still get paid for the day, but there would not be the opportunity to recoup those wages in sales.

"It's been a really expensive couple of weeks with Easter Sunday being closed, Good Friday being closed, when we close two days out of seven, we have a busier Thursday night because people stock up before Good Friday, but you end up doing less trade and spending more on wages."

About 80 per cent of NSW bottle shops will remain closed for the entire day come April 25, while other licensed venues are able to trade and sell takeaway alcohol.

Rashmin Naroln owns the Bottlemart at Carrington, he is one of the few bottle shops able to trade on Anzac Day because he is classified as a small shop retailer.

Mr Naroln said for him, the closure was an opportunity to recoup money lost over Easter, particularly given he would not have to compete with big retailers.

"It is a bit of a relief, otherwise it would be hard," he said.

"After Easter and Anzac Day, it's going to be quiet because everyone goes back to school and back to work, it's not like summertime.

"Now it's a good opportunity because big retailers will be closed on Anzac Day, I think it's a good step for small businesses to be able to make revenue on that day."

Retail Drinks Australia chief executive Michael Waters said as a key sector in the broader liquor industry, its members have retailed responsibly and respectfully on Anzac Day for decades.

"People taking part in Anzac Day should be able to commemorate however they choose, whether attending community ceremonies, joining family and friends at a barbecue or having a quiet drink remembering old mates," he said.

"Despite all attempts with the NSW government, no change is coming this year.

"We've appealed to the premier for fairness, we've called on the Minister for Industrial Relations for common sense, we've asked local MPs for action, with no resolution reached to date."

Mr Waters said all the RDA wants was for bottle shops to be able to open from 1pm as they have done previously.

"Over 100 exemption applications have been lodged with NSW Fair Trading and every single one has been rejected," he said.

"Applicants are being told they do not meet the 'exceptional circumstance' or 'public interest' thresholds, yet, when asked, NSW Fair Trading has not been able to qualify what those thresholds are."

The RDA has created an in-store poster with a link to a petition so that bottle shops can alert customers and encourage them to support the campaign.

The change in trading hours on Anzac Day was announced in July 2024 to encourage greater respect and reflection on the day, honouring those who sacrificed their lives for the country.