The Honourable Peter Lawlor
22/04/2010
ANZAC Day trading
As Anzac Day approaches, licensed venues have been reminded of the special conditions for liquor service on the yearly celebration of Australia's armed forces.
Minister for liquor regulation Peter Lawlor said it was vital that all licensees understood the trading conditions on Anzac Day.
"On the 25th of April, RSLs and Services Clubs will be entitled to commence trading from 5am without applying for a permit," Mr Lawlor said.
All other licensees must not trade before 1pm on ANZAC Day unless it is in conjunction with a meal in an area normally set aside for dining, such as hotels, motels and restaurants, in which case trading may begin at 10am.
The sale of takeaway liquor on Anzac Day is not permitted before 1pm.
Mr Lawlor said there had been some licensees who had breached trading conditions at Christmas 2009.
"Christmas Day, Anzac Day and Good Friday are the only days on which there are restricted trading hours, so it was disappointing to see some licensees hadn't been paying attention to the conditions," he said.
"Any licensees in doubt should contact the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation to clarify their requirements."
This year all licensed premises are only permitted to trade until 12 midnight on the Saturday before Anzac Day, even if they normally stay open longer. While service from the bar must finish at midnight, patrons will have until 12.30am to finish drinks and leave the premises.
Gaming machines are not permitted to operate prior to 1pm on ANZAC Day.
During the periods of restricted trading hours for Anzac Day, police and staff from the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR) will be checking licensed premises, ensuring licensees adhere to trading hours as required under the Liquor Act 1992. Any licensee trading outside approved hours may be subject to a penalty of up to $10,000.
Further information on ANZAC Day trading hours can be accessed on the OLGR website
under fact sheets.
