Opposing the Alcohol Sales Bill Matters
This page is here to help you think clearly and calmly. It’s not about judging anyone — it’s about asking what kind of country we still want to be.
The Sale and Supply of Alcohol Amendment Bill would remove the rule that stops alcohol being sold on just four special days each year. But let’s be clear — people can still drink. This bill isn’t about drinking — it’s about business. And it quietly erases one of the last shared pauses in our calendar.
What This Bill Would Change
- Let bars, shops, and supermarkets sell alcohol on Anzac Day morning (before 1pm), Good Friday, Easter Sunday, and Christmas Day.
- Remove a long-standing law that helps keep these days quiet and respectful — and avoid the usual alcohol-related problems.
- Turn every day into just another day for sales — no space left to pause.
Why It’s a Real Problem
- It doesn’t stop drinking — just lifts the pause on selling. Anyone can still drink what they’ve already bought. The only change is more pressure to sell, serve, and stay open.
- It removes one of the few breathers we still share. Just 3.5 days a year, we press pause. This bill takes even that away — for what? A bit more turnover?
- It pushes workers back on the job. Hospitality and retail staff will feel pressure to work — even on days meant for rest, remembrance, or being with family.
- It adds more harm on days that are already difficult. Holidays are when police, hospitals, and families face more alcohol-related accidents, violence, and stress. This bill would add even more pressure — not just for profit, but at everyone else’s cost.
- It keeps nothing sacred. This is about turning every day into “business as usual.” But some days should still mean something.
A Closing Thought
“This wasn’t about banning alcohol
— just giving everyone a break from selling it. Those 3.5 days helped ease pressure and keep balance. We don’t need to lose that too.” – Ukes Baha
If that feels right to you, say something. Share it. This bill isn’t about freedom — it’s just more business. Let’s keep a few days alcohol-free for the sake of balance and break.