RSL pushes back on earlier Anzac Day trading
Western Australia’s hospitality sector is weighing up a proposed two-hour shift to Anzac Day trading, as the Returned and Services League (RSL) warns the move risks diluting the day’s meaning. The Liquor Control Amendment Bill 2025 would allow pubs, clubs and restaurants to open from 10:00 am instead of midday.
RSL WA’s chief executive officer Stephen Barton said the morning should remain focused on services and reflection, not commercial trade. “We’re talking about two hours here,” Barton said. “It’s 10 o’clock. This is the time when services are still going on, when marches are wrapping up both here in Perth and across the State. “I’m not really sure how those additional two hours really add to our civic life.”
Barton cautioned the change could make Anzac Day feel like “any other public holiday”, particularly outside the city. He argued smaller RSL sub-branches that now seek special licences to open early—often acting as community hubs—would be forced to compete with venues armed with more marketing reach. “Those institutions will be competing against bars and restaurants with people who just want to go at 10.05am and get a few beers and start watching the footy,” he said.
He also noted hotels already benefit from extended hours on other public holidays. “The push by the (Australian Hotels Association) to have those additional two hours on Anzac Day is really about trying to make this a day like any other,” Mr Barton said. “It’s completely divorced from the significance of the day, which has always been about the commemoration and reflection on Australia’s experience in war. “It’s not just another day to get to the pub early.”
RSL WA state president Duncan Anderson added: “Anzac Day morning isn’t about going to the pub or restaurant. “This is the time for the community, veterans and their families to come together to reflect and give thanks.”
Australian Hotels Association WA chief executive Bradley Woods countered that the bill delivers patron choice without altering commemorations. “It doesn’t matter what day it is, hospitality patrons should have flexibility and choice without additional restrictions being placed on them,” he said. “The commemoration at the Dawn Service and throughout the morning, which this reform does not change, is respected,” he said. “The proposal simply gives hospitality venues the flexibility, allowing Australians the choice of how they spend the day.”
Minister for Veterans Issues Paul Papalia, a veteran, backed the change, pointing to post-service social connection. “For us, Anzac Day doesn’t end at the march,” he said. “It’s about catching up with mates afterwards at a pub or RSL club, sharing a drink, telling stories, and remembering those who aren’t with us anymore. It’s how we check in with each other.”
Jonathan Jackson, 29th September 2025
