Small business owners across NSW are being reminded to double-check their trading arrangements ahead of the Easter long weekend and Anzac Day, with stricter rules now in place for some retailers.

The NSW Small Business Commissioner says it’s worth confirming whether your business is exempt from public holiday trading restrictions, especially with changes introduced under the Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Act 2024.

ANZAC Day trading

Under the updated rules, many larger, non-exempt retail shops must remain closed for the entire day on Anzac Day. The restrictions mostly affect big retailers like department stores and supermarkets, but smaller operators should still check where they stand.

For many hospitality businesses, it’s business as usual. Cafés, restaurants, takeaway shops and licensed venues can generally stay open, making the long weekend a key trading opportunity, especially in tourist areas and local high streets.

If you run a small shop with four or fewer staff (and up to two owners working), you’re usually allowed to open as well. But you’ll still need to factor in public holiday penalty rates and staffing availability.

Extra public holiday in NSW

There’s another wrinkle for planning. Under the Public Holidays Act 2010, Anzac Day always falls on 25 April. In 2026 and 2027 it lands on a weekend, and NSW will observe an additional public holiday on the Monday after. The extra day won’t have the same trading restrictions as Anzac Day itself, but it will still mean penalty rates apply.

For hospitality operators, that could mean a busy stretch with Easter, Anzac Day and extra public holiday trading packed into a few weeks. A bit of forward planning now could save payroll headaches later.

Business owners unsure about their status should contact NSW Fair Trading or check the official guidance online.

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