Big change coming to Coles and Woolies as curfew introduced in several LGAs

The major supermarket giants have announced a big change in response to the introduction of a curfew in Sydney hotspots.

The major supermarket chains have revealed they will close early in NSW local government areas subject to the new curfew.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Friday that a curfew would be imposed from 9pm to 5am in 12 LGAs that authorities said would “help reduce the movement of young people”.

They include Bayside, Blacktown, Burwood, Campbelltown, Canterbury-Bankstown, Cumberland, Fairfield, Georges River, Liverpool, Parramatta, Strathfield, and some suburbs of Penrith.

Coles tweeted that it would close its stores at 8.30pm.

To ensure we follow government guidelines in NSW we're updating our opening hours. From Monday 23 August select stores in Sydney LGAs of concern will close at 8.30pm, unless the store's existing trading hours specify an earlier time. Check the Coles website for local store hours.

— Coles Supermarkets (@Coles) August 20, 2021

“To ensure we follow government guidelines in NSW we’re updating our opening hours,” the supermarket wrote.

“From Monday 23 August select stores in Sydney LGAs of concern will close at 8.30pm, unless the store’s existing trading hours specify an earlier time.”

Woolworths has followed suit, also closing its affected stores at 8.30pm and continuing to offer contactless pick up and delivery during the reduced trading hours.

“We have plenty of stock available across our store network and encourage customers to only buy what they need,” a Woolworths spokesman said.

“Our health ambassadors at the front of store will continue to remind our customers to check in and wear face masks, and we ask shoppers to remain mindful of social distancing.

“It is a challenging time for all of us, and we want to thank our customers for their patience and understanding as we work through this together.”

Coles and Woolworths stores in the 12 listed LGAs will close at 8.30pm once the curfew begins. Picture: NCA NewsWire/ Gaye Gerard

Aldi will also close its stores in the listed LGAs at 8.30pm on Thursdays to comply with the new restrictions, with its usual trading hours from Friday to Wednesday remaining unaffected by the curfew.

NSW recorded 642 new cases on Friday as a swath of new restrictions were enforced and Sydney’s lockdown was extended until the end of September.

Speaking to reporters on Friday, Ms Berejiklian said the advice from NSW Health and police was now necessary.

“This is based on police feedback in the last few days on the type of activity that is unfortunately being carried out,” she said.

“While the evidence on curfews is mixed, I don’t want to look back and say we didn’t try.”