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Anzac Day and Easter trading rules: guidance for NSW businesses in 2026

24 February, 2026

As NSW approaches the Anzac Day and Easter public holidays, the NSW Small Business Commissioner is reminding business owners to stay informed of trading restrictions that apply during this period. These reminders build on the Commission’s earlier guidance in its previous news update, “Anzac Day and Easter weekend trading rules”, published on 20 February 2025. 

Anzac Day trading restrictions 

Under the Retail Trading Amendment (Anzac Day Trading Hours) Act 2024, NSW now enforces full‑day trading restrictions for many non‑exempt retail businesses. 

Key changes include: 

  • Non‑exempt retail shops are prohibited from opening at any time on Anzac Day.
  • The restrictions primarily affect larger retailers such as department stores, supermarkets, and fashion outlets, which must remain closed for the entire day. 

The NSW Government introduced these changes to better reflect the significance of Anzac Day and ensure workers can participate in commemorative events. 

Businesses permitted to trade on Anzac Day 

The following categories may continue to operate: 

  • Businesses not classified as “shops” under the Retail Trading Act.
  • Businesses listed in Schedule 1 of the Retail Trading Act, provided employees freely elect to work.
  • Small shop retailers, defined as businesses with no more than four staff and up to two owners working.
  • Chemists, news agencies, petrol stations, cafés, takeaway food outlets and licensed venues.
  • ‘Licensed venues’, if it has a hotel or bar licence.

If you are unsure whether your business is covered by any of these exemptions, you should contact NSW Fair Trading on 13 32 20, or at this link. For both Anzac Day and Easter weekend holidays, exempt shops include the following, listed under schedule 1 of the Retail Trading Act 2008:  

NSW to introduce additional public holiday following Anzac Day in 2026 and 2027 

Under the Public Holidays Act 2010, Anzac Day is fixed to 25 April each year, regardless of the day on which it falls. In 2026, Anzac Day will fall on a Saturday, and in 2027 it will fall on a Sunday. 

The NSW Government has announced that an additional public holiday will be observed on the Monday following Anzac Day in both years. This extra holiday does not replace Anzac Day. Instead, it reinforces the importance and solemn significance of the day, while bringing it into line with the treatment of other major public holidays when they fall on a weekend. 

The trading restrictions that apply on Anzac Day will not apply to the additional holiday on Monday, 27 April 2026.  

Easter long weekend trading rules 

Easter public holiday restrictions remain in place and vary by day. 

  • On Good Friday and Easter Sunday, many retail shops must close unless exempt.
  • On Easter Saturday and Easter Monday, most retail businesses may operate without special restriction. 

What small business owners should do 

NSW small businesses are encouraged to: 

  1. Confirm exemption status.
  2. Plan staffing in advance.
  3. Apply correct public holiday penalty rates.
  4. Communicate altered trading hours early. 

With these important dates on the horizon, it’s a good time to review your business operations, holiday schedules, and payroll systems. Whether it’s adjusting your hours for Anzac Day or managing leave, a little forward planning can go a long way in keeping your business running smoothly.