Good Friday brings with it an age old question – can I buy alcohol today?
Across the country, various restrictions on alcohol sales are imposed on Good Friday.
Here are the rules in each state:
New South Wales
In NSW no takeaway alcohol sales are allowed and licensed venues can only serve alcohol on premises between midday and 10pm.
That means pubs and bars are generally open, but bottleshops are closed.
One exception for takeaway alcohol is venues with a producer licence, such as micro-breweries and cellar doors, are able to sell you their drinks.
Victoria
Victoria also allows producers to sell their drinks to the public on Good Friday, although most takeaway shops are closed.
There are exceptions via the Victorian government providing a small number of shops with a special licence to trade.
Similarly, venues can serve alcohol from midday to 1am tomorrow.
Queensland
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, otherwise, takeaway alcohol is unavailable.
South Australia
After implementing reforms to their liquor legislation, South Australia currently has no restrictions on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday, or on other public holidays.
It means pubs and venues can open today, and there are no restrictions on takeaway purchases, though some venues may choose to stay closed.
Western Australia
Just like in other states, takeaway bottleshops are closed on Good Friday across WA.
Venues such as hotels and pubs can serve drinks between noon and 10pm, but only with a meal.
If you are so inclined, nightclubs are open on Good Friday and can serve drinks until 3am.
Australian Capital Territory
There are no restrictions on alcohol sales or trading hours across the ACT.
Northern Territory
It’s a stricter interpretation of the tradition in the NT, with no takeaway alcohol available for sale at all.
But just like in other states, clubs, bars and restaurants are allowed to sell liquor to patrons between 11am and 9pm, with a full meal.
Tasmania
On the flipside, the apple isle has much more relaxed rules for booze buying on Good Friday.
There are no restrictions on the sale of alcohol across the island, outside the usual trading hours.
