New South Wales is extending its Anzac Day retail ban to cover the entire day, in the hope it will help encourage more people to commemorate veterans.
The restrictions, which previously put retailers including supermarkets in place until 1 p.m., will now not be lifted until midnight.
Retailers that enjoy exemptions, such as cafes, restaurants, pharmacies and newsagents, can continue to operate throughout the day.
Retail restrictions vary across jurisdictions in Australia, with only Western Australia also imposing a blanket ban.
Victoria and Queensland allow trading from 1pm, Tasmania allows it from 12.30pm, while South Australia only allows it in central Adelaide between 12pm and 5pm.
The ACT and Northern Territory have no restrictions.
The New South Wales RSL and Retail Workers Union support the ban, which Premier Chris Minns says is appropriate given Anzac Day’s status as Australia’s most “solemn and significant” occasion.
NSW to extend Anzac Day retail ban to cover the entire day to encourage more people to commemorate veterans
Restrictions on retailers in New South Wales, which were previously banned until 1pm, will now not be lifted until midnight.
“We will extend our retail restrictions on Anzac Day to ensure our veterans are recognised and free to participate in services throughout the day,” he said.
“It may be an inconvenience for a few hours, but shutting down our largest businesses for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy.”
Mick Bainbridge, president of RSL NSW, said the pastoral needs of veterans were often overlooked.
“This is an opportunity for them to take some time off work on this special day to commemorate their service,” he said.
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action fought by Australian and New Zealand forces during World War I, at Gallipoli in 1915.
The day is marked by a number of traditions, including sunrise and sunset services, veterans marches and wreath-laying ceremonies.
