NSW is extending its all-day Anzac Day retail ban to combat the creeping commercialisation of the day honouring war veterans.
Shopping activities were banned until 1 p.m., after the traditional sunrise ceremonies and marches. The ban will now apply for the entire day and night of April 25.
Some retailers that have an exemption, such as pubs, cafes, restaurants, drugstores and kiosks, are allowed to remain open all day.
Retail restrictions on Anzac Day vary by jurisdiction, with only Western Australia imposing an all-day ban.
In Victoria and Queensland, trading is permitted from 1pm, in Tasmania from 12.30pm and in South Australia, trading in the Adelaide CBD is only permitted between 12pm and 5pm.
There are no restrictions in the ACT and the Northern Territory.
The NSW RSL and the shop workers union support the ban. Premier Chris Minns says the ban is necessary to reinforce Anzac Day’s status as “Australia’s most solemn and meaningful” event.
New South Wales will extend retail ban on Anzac Day to all day to encourage more people to remember veterans
Previously banned until 1pm, NSW retailer restrictions will now not be lifted until midnight
“(We) will be extending our restrictions on retail sales into Anzac Day to ensure our veterans are recognised and can participate in services throughout the day,” he said.
‘It may be annoying for a few hours, but closing our biggest stores for a day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy.’
According to RSL NSW Chairman Mick Bainbridge, the needs of veterans are too often overlooked.
“This is an opportunity for them to take a break from work on this special day and remember their service,” he said.
Anzac Day marks the anniversary of the first major military action by Australian and New Zealand troops during the First World War, at Gallipoli in 1915.
This day is marked by a number of traditions, including church services at sunrise and sunset, veterans’ marches and wreath-laying ceremonies.