State-by-state guide to pub and shop opening times on Anzac Day

ARE the shops closed all day? Can you go to the pub? What if you want an ice cream? Check our Anzac Day guide.

What’s open on Anzac Day?

IT’S the unique public holiday that could leave you baffled when it comes to what you can and cannot buy.

Depending on the state, if you pop out on Anzac Day morning for a bottle of milk for your cereal, you could come home with nothing. But if it’s a bottle of beer you’re after for a cheeky pre-noon drink, you might be in luck.

The retail restrictions on Anzac Day are designed to ensure as many people as possible can pay their respects to the fallen without worrying about work.

But while, in some states, the entire day is a shopping free zone, elsewhere it’s open slather for a full 24 hours.

Confused? Let us guide you through what’s open, and what’s not, on Anzac Day.

New South Wales

Most shops, including big supermarkets and department stores, must remain closed until at least 1pm on Anzac Day. However, there are a number of exemptions including smaller convenience stores, petrol stations, pharmacists, florists and even pet shops. Just in case you need to buy a guinea pig before lunch.

Talking of lunch, cafes and restaurants can open for a bite before 1pm.

When it comes to liquor, pubs are allowed to open during the morning, and sell takeaway booze. But stand-alone liquor stores must remain shut until 1pm.

Victoria

When it comes to shops, the rules are very similar to NSW, with 1pm opening. However, the list of exemptions is somewhat shorter and includes petrol stations, pharmacists, cafes, restaurants and takeaways.

Pubs must close until at least midday. But RSLs can apply to sell alcohol in the morning.

Queensland

Most larger stores, including supermarkets, will be closed all day across the state.

However, there is a huge list of mainly smaller local shops that can open from 1pm including bookshops, florists, toy shops, something called “temperance beverage shops”, and, specifically, ice cream parlours. Well, it is hot north of the border.

Small, independently owned, grocery stores and milk bars can also open.

Pubs can serve alcohol from 10am but only if accompanying a meal. After midday normal rules apply including buying takeaway booze. RSLs are free to serve liquor in the morning.

Western Australia

Perth is basically closed all day on Anzac Day so if you are reading this on Monday and you have run out of bread, feel free to go without until Tuesday. Exceptions apply for smaller stores, pharmacies, newsagents and petrol stations among others.

If you’re in a regional town, however, some supermarkets and other stores can open from noon.

Pubs can open from noon, or earlier if it’s the RSL or they are part of an official Anzac Day function. Takeaway liquor stores, cafes and restaurants can also open from lunchtime.

South Australia

It gets a bit confusing in South Australia but essentially it’s a no-go until at least noon if not all day.

In Adelaide, larger shops, including supermarkets, are only allowed to open from midday if they are in the CBD or the seaside suburb of Glenelg. In the suburbs they’ll be shut. However, in regional towns they can open from 12pm.

Again, smaller stores, petrol stations, pharmacies and a few others are exempt and can be open in the morning. Pubs are also allowed to open.

Tasmania

Just to be a bit different, Tasmania is the only state where 12.30pm is the appointed opening time for shops aside from the usual exceptions.

Northern Territory / Australian Capital Territory

It’s basically open slather in the two non-states with few restrictions on shops or licensed premises. But bear in mind, just because shops can open it doesn’t mean they will with many choosing to remain shut until noon.