Shops ordered to close on Anzac Day in NSW as mark of respect

Anzac Day retail trading restrictions, that once extended until 1pm, will continue throughout the whole day, NSW premier Chris Minns has announced.

"As of next year, NSW will extend our retail trading restrictions across Anzac Day, to make sure our veterans are recognised and free to take part in services throughout the day," the premier said.

"It might be inconvenient for a few hours, but closing our biggest corporate shops for a single day is a small price to pay for living in a free and open democracy."

Some small businesses are exempt from the changes with stores such as newsagents, chemists, fruit and vegetable shops, petrol stations and cafes allowed to remain open.

The change will mean staff will be able to "fully join their community to commemorate this solemn day", the retail workers union SDA said.

NSW stores face similar restrictions on Good Friday, Easter Sunday, Christmas Day and Boxing Day.

SDA NSW secretary Bernie Smith said "opening shops at 1pm on such an important day was out of step with how we treat other significant days with trading restrictions that apply across the whole day".

"We owe our veterans and current serving ADF personnel a debt of gratitude for their sacrifice 365 days a year. We can all stop shopping for one whole day to commemorate that sacrifice," he said.

The union secretary said that only 17 per cent of respondents to an SDA survey go to food or retail shops on Anzac Day and many of them supported the move to close stores.

"Australians agree that Anzac Day is for remembering, not shopping. That's why it's time to return retail trading restrictions to the whole of Anzac Day," Mr Smith said.

RSL NSW president Mick Bainbridge said "too often, the pastoral needs of veterans, and the friends and families who support them, are overlooked".

"This is an opportunity for them to take time away from work on this special day to commemorate their service."

In Victoria businesses close until 1pm on Anzac day.

Some small businesses such as chemists, petrol shops, restaurants, cafes and takeaway outlets are exempt from restrictions.

In Queensland factories and major retailers are required to close on Anzac Day.

Independent retail shops must remain closed until 1pm while shops such as food stores and pharmacies may open throughout the day.

Restrictions on cinemas, amusement parks, sporting events and other places of public entertainment lift at 1.30pm.

Tasmanian shops could be fined for opening earlier than 12.30pm.

Exempt businesses include pharmacies, newsagents, bottle shops, cafes and restaurants, service stations and car yards.

With the exception of shops such as service stations Western Australia has a full day ban on Anzac Day trading.

Some shops in South Australia are permitted to open between 12pm and 5pm on Anzac Day while shops selling essential supplies have no restrictions.

In the ACT, businesses may remain open all day on Anzac Day without limitations.

Shops are free to trade without restrictions in the Northern Territory on Anzac Day.