Labour Day 2019: What’s open, daylight savings and double demerits
As you gear up for the long weekend, here’s a low-down on what’s open if you need to duck out for supplies, when to wind your clock forward and what happens if you get slapped with a fine.
NSW
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With sunny weather set to kickstart the spring long weekend on Friday, Sydneysiders are bracing for a stellar holiday with only a little rain set to fall on Saturday.
To make the most it of, here’s your guide to which shops are open, how many demerit points are at stake if you speed and other vital information.
For those going away, plan your trip ahead of time because traffic could be an issue, particularly heading out of Sydney.
If you need to go to the shops, keep in mind that some stores will be closed for the public holiday, while most supermarkets and liquor stores will have restricted trading hours. Make sure you check opening hours before heading out for supplies.
Daylight savings
Sydneysiders need to be mindful that daylight savings will start on Sunday morning, so anyone with an analog clock will need to wind it forward an hour at 2am on Sunday 6 October — making it 3am.
If you have a smartphone, the time should change over automatically if it is set to the correct timezone.
From liquor stores to chemists and supermarkets, most outlets have restricted trading hours on Labour Day, so you’ll need to check-in to see what’s open nearby.
Some stores might be closed or have shorter trading hours on the long weekend, so here’s our definitive list of what’s open and what’s not.
Supermarkets
- Coles — all Coles supermarkets will be open but trading hours may vary — check here for details.
- Woolworths — all Woolworths stores open except Sydney Metcentre. Trading hours may vary — check here for details.
- ALDI — opening hours vary — check your local store for details.
Liquor Stores
Need a refreshing beer or a crisp white wine? Unlike the Easter long weekend, most liquor stores will be open on Monday.
- Liquorland — all Liquorland outlets will be open but trading hours may vary — check here for more details.
- BWS — trading hours may vary — check here for details.
- Dan Murphys — Trading hours may vary — check here for details.
Chemist
In case you need to pop out to get emergency medicine, most chemists will be open throughout the day.
- Chemist Warehouse — trading hours may vary — check here for more details.
- Priceline — trading hours may vary — check here for more details.
Cops crackdown, double demerits
Drivers are being urged to be careful on the roads.
NSW Police have launched a road safety crackdown, while paramedics are bracing for a busy weekend.
Double demerits will be on the line for those caught out speeding, drink or drug-driving, using mobile phones and other dangerous behaviour between 12:01am Friday and midnight Monday.
For most offences, drivers will be slapped with double demerits from midnight tonight, with points ranging from two to 10 for speeding offences.
Ambos urge drivers to be alert
Last year four lives were lost on NSW roads, including a pregnant woman who was killed in a tragic car crash at Orchard Hill.
Emergency services are particularly concerned about the long weekend ahead, with the road toll this year already eight fatalities higher than at this time last year.
NSW paramedic Jordan Emery is urging drivers to heed the message and drive safely this long weekend by not using their phones, speeding or drink driving.
“One death is one too many. It’s absolutely devastating to see, hear and experience the loss of life we are seeing on Australian roads and this long weekend is no exception. Last Labor Day we attended almost 45 motor collisions a day. This year so far we are looking at something like 65 a day,” he said.
For many paramedics, traumatic road crashes and fatalities are carried with them through life, Mr Emery says.
“We always see very serious motor vehicle collisions involving alcohol, fatigue and speed and some result in really catastrophic injuries and death and the impact is enormous. These sorts of incidents stay with you your whole life as a paramedic.”
His message is simple — protect yourself, your loved ones and the public by driving safely this weekend.
“Time and time again we ask people to heed warnings. If you’re feeling tired, take a break, don't drive home late at night. Please don't drive under the influence. You are putting the lives of yourself, your family and other road users in grave danger.”
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said speeding, driving under the influence and fatigue were the biggest killers on NSW roads.
“We need all motorists to play their part in keeping our road toll down. Don’t take a risk that you may regret for life,” Mr Toole said.