By Patrick Avenell
Wednesday 25 April 2012 is ANZAC Day, a public holiday throughout Australia to commemorate the disastrous World War I military campaign in the Dardanelles in 1915.
Retail trading is restricted throughout Australia, as per the following:
New South Wales, Queensland, Victoria:
All non-exempt shops must be closed until 1pm on ANZAC Day. The exemption rules in the three states vary, but essentially all retailers in the appliance and electronics industries are not exempt.
South Australia:
The rules vary depending on whether your retail outlet is a defined tourist district, though essentially all stores must remain closed until 12pm on ANZAC Day.
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Tasmania:
Congratulations to the Island State for having the most complicated exemption laws! Any store not meeting these exemptions must remain closed until 12:30pm. The fine for not complying in $26,000.
Western Australia:
Nice and easy: no stores may open at all on ANZAC Day. Of course, it’s not that easy, with small retail shops not selling motor vehicles, owned by up to six people, who between them own three or fewer stores, employing up to 18 people, may open at any time they wish.
Northern Territory, Australian Capital Territory:
No laws enforce restricted trading though it is commonplace for retail outlets to remain closed during the morning.
ANZAC Day now hosts three annual football matches, with electronics stores able to showcase these matches on their big screen TVs in store. The matches are:
Collingwood v Essendon (AFL) – 2:40pm (AEST)
St George Illawarra v Sydney Roosters (NRL) – 4:00pm (AEST)
Melbourne Storm v New Zealand Warriors (NRL) – 7:00pm (AEST)
The AFL match is live on Channel 7 and affiliates, while the two NRL matches are live on Fox Sports.
Patrick’s Tips:
Essendon by 1 point
St George Illawarra by 25 points
New Zealand Warriors by 2 points