Major Retailers Close Under New Rules
Queanbeyan’s drive-through Bottle-O, located beside the Queanbeyan Hotel on Crawford Street, will open on Anzac Day, while Coles and Woolworths-owned liquor stores will remain closed under new NSW laws introduced in July 2023, which require major liquor retailers to shut their doors all day, ending the previous rule that allowed trading from 1 pm.
The 2023 law now applies to:
- Liquorland
- First Choice Liquor Market
- Vintage Cellars
- Dan Murphy’s
- BWS
- Cellarmasters
- Jimmy Brings
The change followed two months of public consultation and aimed to protect the day’s commemorative purpose, with support from veterans and the broader community.
Figure 1: Hotel Queanbeyan won’t be affected by the new rules in NSW
Bottle-O Operates Under Shared Licence
The Queanbeyan Bottle-O can trade on Anzac Day because it shares a liquor licence with the adjacent hotel, which opens at 10 am, allowing it to sell alcohol under hospitality rules while competitors must remain closed.
Owner Matthew Griffin expects a big shift in business, saying, “Anzac Day is normally a quiet day for the bottle shop because everyone’s in the pub,” but this year, “it’ll be a lot busier for us in our bottle shop,” and “it’s also a bit of a test – this has never happened before.”
Government Cites Respect for Veterans
The NSW Government released an “industry alert” explaining the move ensures people can attend services throughout the day without distraction from major retailers, reinforcing the importance of national remembrance.
Premier Chris Minns said, “It might be inconvenient for a few hours,” but added, “closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy,” stating, “no occasion could be more solemn or significant than Anzac Day.”
RSL NSW Supports Full-Day Closure
RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge welcomed the regulation, stating, “We must do all that we can to preserve the Anzac spirit,” and “ensure the unique sacrifices of our servicemen and women, past and present, and their contribution to our Australian way of life are never forgotten.”
Venue Keeps Focus on Tradition
Griffin said the day remains one of respect, with many gathering to play two-up and honour tradition, saying, “They go to the pub and play two-up, because that’s what the diggers used to do.”
He said veterans are always acknowledged, adding, “We commemorate the day every time we have anyone in uniform come in – I shout them a beer,” and “if they come up to have a spin at two-up, the crowd gives them a standing ovation,” creating a sense of shared respect.
Also Read: Anzac Day 2025: Australians Prepare to Honour Service and Sacrifice
Griffin said the venue usually stops two-up entries early, explaining, “We typically have to cancel entries to the two-up tournaments by 2:30 pm,” due to overwhelming interest, though he stressed the environment stays respectful.
“It’s hectic, but all in good spirits,” he said, adding, “if there’s ever too much trouble, we just get rid of that person and continue on,” while reminding patrons, “it’s a show of respect on this day,” and “we’re commemorating the people who made our lives better.”
Retail Drinks Industry Criticises Move
Retail Drinks Australia strongly opposed the trading ban, calling it unfair to smaller independent retailers.
CEO Michael Waters said, “As a key sector within the broader liquor industry, our members have retailed responsibly and respectfully on this day for decades,” adding, “they respect the significance and importance of Anzac Day.”
He said Australians should have options in how they honour the day, stating, “People taking part in Anzac Day should be able to commemorate however they choose,” whether attending a service, sharing a BBQ, or having a quiet drink.
Anzac Day Enters New Retail Phase
This Anzac Day marks the first under the new law, creating a unique situation where smaller venues like the Queanbeyan Bottle-O stay open while larger chains remain shut, placing new attention on local hospitality venues as people look for ways to gather and remember.
