- The year’s biggest game kicks off at 7.30pm on Sunday
- Penrith Panthers are aiming for fourth straight title
If you’re an NRL fan who’d like to celebrate the aftermath of the year’s biggest game long into Sunday night, NSW is the place to be after the state relaxed laws governing licensed premises for the grand final.
Premier Chris Minns revealed the one-night-only change on social media on Saturday, writing: ‘We want NSW to be able to safely make the most of the NRL Grand Final excitement this long weekend.
‘So, under our special event extended trading, all eligible licensed premises that show a live broadcast of the match tomorrow can trade until midnight instead of 10 pm.’
He then finished off with, ‘Go the Panthers!’
However, the additional opening hours only apply when you buy drinks on the premises, as takeaway alcohol and gaming machines are not included.
The change comes under the Liquor Act, which makes allowances for events that are of ‘regional, state or national significance’.
According to the NSW Government, the move is designed to ‘support the state’s venues and encourage a vibrant nightlife for residents and visitors’.
The additional hours come as Aussies in NSW, South Australia and the ACT are getting a public holiday on Monday for Labour Day, while the King’s Birthday holiday is being observed in Queensland.
The NRL grand final between the Storm and Panthers is due to finish up at around 9.30pm – and drinkers in NSW will be able to celebrate long into the night thanks to a rule change by the state government (pictured, Melbourne’s Jahrome Hughes and Penrith’s Nathan Cleary)
Lovers of a beer, wine or cocktail will be able to enjoy a beverage until midnight at licensed premises that are showing a live broadcast of the big game (stock image)
Here’s what’s open as residents make the most of a day off work…
Woolworths
NSW & ACT: Most stores are open.
QLD: Most stores are open (except Ipswich, Mt Isa Plaza, Toowong and Cloncurry).
SA: Most stores are closed.
Coles
NSW & ACT: Standard trading hours.
QLD: Majority of stores: 9am – 6pm.
Pacific Fair, Australia Fair, Cairns Central, Newfarm, Port Douglas, Surfers Paradise, Miami, Palm Beach: 7am – 9pm.
South Australia: Majority of stores are closed.
Port Lincoln, Port Pirie, Berri, Port Augusta, Mount Barker, Whyalla, Murray Bridge Green, Mount Gamier and Victor Harbor will open from 8am – 8pm.
Rundle Place Adelaide will open from 11am – 5pm.
Aldi
Hours are store-by-store and customers should check the Aldi website.
Liquorland
Stores in states celebrating the public holiday will trade with reduced trading hours.
Most Liquorland stores in South Australia will be closed on Monday.
Dan Murphy’s
Most Dan Murphy’s will be open 10am to 7pm.
BWS
Most BWS stores open at 9am and close between 7pm to 9pm.
