Retailers and hospitality businesses must adhere to specific Anzac Day trading rules, with recent legislative changes loosening restrictions for on-licence establishments.
- On-licence businesses may now operate under usual licence conditions before 1 p.m.
- Retailers who open illegally face fines of up to $1,000.
- Public holiday surcharges are permitted but must be clearly disclosed to customers.
Trading Restrictions for Anzac Day
Most shops without specific exemptions must remain closed during the first half of April 25. Pharmacies are permitted to open without restrictions, while dairies, service stations, and cafes may open under certain conditions.
Service-based businesses, such as hairdressers, can operate during restricted hours but are prohibited from selling products. Garden centres are not permitted to open until 1 p.m. on Anzac Day.
Specific regional exemptions apply to tourist areas and certain towns. Nelson, Dunedin, and Wānaka may trade with conditions, while Queenstown businesses can open from noon. In the Coromandel, Tairua, Whangamatā, and Whitianga can trade if Anzac Day falls on a Monday or Friday.
Alcohol Laws and Penalties
A recent government amendment to alcohol laws now allows on-licence businesses to operate under their usual licence conditions before 1 p.m. This change allows hospitality businesses to sell alcohol as normal during the morning hours.
Retailers found to be opening illegally may be fined up to $1,000. Additionally, “Mondayisation” does not affect these trading restrictions, as the rules apply strictly to the calendar date of Anzac Day.
Surcharge Regulations
Cafes and restaurants may choose to apply a surcharge for opening on the morning of Anzac Day to cover additional public holiday wage costs. However, these surcharges cannot be applied on Monday.
The Commerce Commission requires that any such surcharge be clearly disclosed to customers before they purchase a service, via signage or website information. The commission stated that the reason for the surcharge must be accurately described and must not mislead consumers.
Furthermore, surcharges must not exceed the actual costs incurred by the business.
Discover more from Archyworldys
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
