Good Friday Beer Buying: What's The Deal?

Good Friday is one of the only days in Australia when alcohol sales are specifically restricted. While some states have stricter laws than others, generally, takeaway sales are banned and pubs and clubs are closed. However, some venues with specific licenses may be able to sell alcohol, and in some states, you can still get a drink at the bar if you buy a meal. So, can you buy beer on Good Friday? The answer is: it depends on where you are and where you're buying from.

Buying beer in New South Wales

Good Friday is one of the only days of the year when alcohol sales are specifically restricted in Australia. If you're in New South Wales (NSW) and hoping to buy some beer, here are the rules you need to know:

Firstly, no takeaway alcohol sales are allowed in NSW on Good Friday. That means pubs and bars are generally open, but bottle shops are closed. So, if you're planning to drink at home, it's best to stock up in advance.

However, there are a few exceptions to this rule. Some specialist breweries and venues with a producer's licence, such as microbreweries and cellar doors, are allowed to sell takeaway alcohol. If you're in Sydney, head to the Inner West, where several breweries can sell you their wares.

If you're planning to drink at a venue, licensed premises can serve alcohol, but only between midday and 10 pm. This includes pubs, bars, and clubs, which will trade as normal until the mandated 10 pm closing time.

Some venues with a specific type of licence, such as caterers, airports, vessels, and accommodation premises, can continue normal trading and sell alcohol to residents and their guests. So, hotel bars could be an option.

Additionally, venues that produce alcohol, such as breweries or distilleries, may be able to sell their products. This is a great option if you're a fan of local craft beer or spirits.

It's worth noting that these rules are subject to change, and individual venues may have their own interpretations, so it's always a good idea to check with the specific place you're planning to visit.

So, while the restrictions in NSW are tight, there are still a few ways to legally buy beer on Good Friday. Just be sure to plan ahead and be aware of the trading hours and any potential licence restrictions.

Buying beer in Victoria

If you're in Victoria and you're craving a beer on Good Friday, you're in luck compared to some other Australian states. While you won't be able to buy any beer from takeaway shops, pubs and clubs will be trading from midday to 11 pm, and some will allow you to buy a six-pack over the bar.

Some venues with a producer's licence, such as breweries, will be able to sell you beer from 10 am. The Victorian government also provides a small number of shops with a special licence to trade and sell alcohol. Some even have a temporary licence to supply alcohol outdoors.

If you're in a heavily touristed area, you may find some case-by-case liquor licence exemptions.

So, while you won't be able to buy takeaway beer in Victoria on Good Friday, you can still get your hands on a beer at a pub or club, or from a specialist producer.

Buying beer in Queensland

Good Friday is one of the only days of the year when alcohol sales are specifically restricted in Australia. If you're in Queensland and hoping to buy beer, you're in for a challenge. Queensland has some of the tightest liquor restrictions when it comes to trading on Good Friday. You won't find any bottle shops open, and pubs will be closed too—that includes the casinos.

However, there are some loopholes and exemptions. If you're planning to watch the Titans play the Broncos at Suncorp Stadium, Queensland Tourism has been known to lift its booze ban for this game in the past. So, if you're lucky, you might be able to buy a beer there. Alternatively, major sporting facilities such as stadiums and their bars are usually exempt from the restrictions, so you may be able to purchase a beer at other sporting venues too.

Another option is to head to a restaurant. While you can't buy takeaway alcohol on Good Friday in Queensland, you can buy a beer with a meal in the dining area of a licensed venue between 10 am and midnight. The Queensland government specifies that a meal must be something that can be eaten with cutlery while seated, such as a stir-fry or a curry with rice. It cannot be light takeaway food like snacks or an entree. You can buy a drink with your meal from one hour before until one hour after eating, so keep an eye on the time.

If you're desperate for a beer, it might be worth checking out some specialist breweries. While most pubs and clubs will be closed, some venues with a producer's licence may be able to sell their drinks. So, you might be able to find a local brewery that's open and selling their craft beers.

So, while it's certainly not easy to buy beer in Queensland on Good Friday, with a bit of creativity and flexibility, it might be possible to find a cold one to enjoy.

Buying beer in Western Australia

Venues such as hotels, pubs, and wineries can only trade between noon and 10 pm on Good Friday, and alcohol can only be served alongside a meal. Nightclubs are exempt from this rule and are permitted to serve alcohol until 3 am.

If you are buying a bottle of wine with your meal, and you do not finish it, you are allowed to take the remainder home with you. The WA government's liquor law website states that "a person may remove any unconsumed portion of that wine from the licensed premises when they leave".

These laws are currently under review, with the Racing and Gaming Minister, Reece Whitby, stating that the rules are "an archaic relic of the past". New legislation is expected to be drafted in early 2024.

Buying beer in Tasmania

Good Friday is one of the only days in Australia with specific restrictions on alcohol sales, rather than a consequence of trading hours. While the sale of alcohol is heavily restricted in most states, Tasmania has a much more relaxed approach.

In Tasmania, there are no specific Good Friday alcohol restrictions, just the regular ones that stipulate when businesses can sell alcohol. This means that if you're looking to buy beer in Tasmania on Good Friday, you'll be able to do so without the challenges faced in other states. You can purchase beer at venues that are open for business as usual, including pubs, clubs, and bottle shops. However, it's always a good idea to check with individual venues, as some may choose to remain closed or operate with reduced hours during the Easter long weekend.

Takeaway sales of alcohol are generally prohibited on Good Friday in most other Australian states. However, there are some exceptions and loopholes. In New South Wales, for example, venues with a producer's license, such as microbreweries and distilleries, are allowed to sell alcohol. In Queensland, the sale of alcohol is permitted at major sporting facilities like stadiums, and in Western Australia, you can buy alcohol with a meal in most clubs, hotels, pubs, and restaurants.

While Good Friday marks the start of the Easter long weekend, a time when many Australians enjoy a tipple, it's important to plan ahead if you're in a state with stricter alcohol sales regulations. It's recommended that you stock up on your drinks of choice the day before Good Friday to avoid missing out.

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