Good Friday brings with it an age-old question for many Australians: can I buy alcohol today? Across the country, various restrictions on alcohol sales are imposed on this public holiday, with rules differing significantly from state to state.
In New South Wales, no takeaway alcohol sales are allowed, and licensed venues can only serve alcohol on premises between midday and 10pm. Pubs and bars are generally open, but bottleshops are closed. An exception exists for venues with a producer licence, such as micro-breweries and cellar doors, which can sell their drinks.
Victoria also allows producers to sell their drinks to the public on Good Friday, although most takeaway shops are closed. The Victorian government provides a small number of shops with a special licence to trade. Venues can serve alcohol from midday to 1am the following day.
Queensland has restrictions on drinking at venues on Good Friday, with a beverage only allowed with a meal between 10am and midnight. Major sporting facilities such as stadiums and their bars are exempt, but takeaway alcohol is otherwise unavailable.
South Australia has no restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday or other public holidays, following reforms to liquor legislation. Pubs and venues can open, and there are no restrictions on takeaway purchases, though some venues may choose to stay closed.
In Western Australia, takeaway bottleshops are closed on Good Friday. Venues such as hotels and pubs can serve drinks between noon and 10pm, but only with a meal. Nightclubs are open and can serve drinks until 3am.
The Australian Capital Territory has no restrictions on alcohol sales or trading hours. In the Northern Territory, no takeaway alcohol is available for sale at all, but clubs, bars and restaurants can sell liquor to patrons between 11am and 9pm with a full meal. Tasmania has much more relaxed rules, with no restrictions on the sale of alcohol beyond usual trading hours.
