It's a four-day long weekend, you're off work and you'd like to celebrate with a glass of wine but have none. What now?
We all know the seven P's: Prior Planning and Preparation Prevents P*ss Poor Performance. And this applies to enjoying a drink on Good Friday.
Strict restrictions on the supply and sale of alcohol this Easter long weekend make it near impossible to drink a drop if you haven't made a trip to the liquor store.
And you’re thinking, ‘if Jesus turned water in to wine, why can’t we?’
So before you go on the hopeful hunt for an open bottle shop, we thought we’d save you some time.
Here’s the 411 on where and if you can pick up a tipple around the country today.
Cheers!
Queensland
It’s a dark day in the sunshine state.
Bottle shops are shut and pubs can’t sell liquor. Alcohol can only be served at a restaurant with a meal that is prepared and eaten at the venue. Patrons can drink alcohol for one hour before dining, during dining and up to one hour after dining, but considering most venues will be closed today, we don’t hold out much hope.
New South Wales
Sydney-siders need a cool beverage after their warmest March week in a decade but had to stay sober until noon when pubs opened. But be quick, premises are open until 10pm!
The sale of takeaway alcohol from pubs is prohibited and bottle shops are shut.
ACT
Who knew the capital was such an attractive Easter holiday destination?
Under the Liquor Act 2010 and ACT public holiday legislation, there are no restrictions on liquor sales or trading hours.
We won't hold it against them - we know the folks in Canberra probably need a stiff drink after the few weeks they've just had.
Victoria
Liquor is on tap from 12 noon – 11pm today. Some venues may have obtained special conditions to serve earlier or later depending on their license, but this is on a case by case basis. Same applies to take away trade.
"Packaged liquor outlets can trade on Good Friday if it is allowed by their liquor license," a spokeswoman for the Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation told news.com.au.
“Good Friday only alters the trading hours, not the supply, therefore venues that are authorised to supply on and off the premises can continue to do so.”
Northern Territory
What a croc!
We’re told by the NT Department of Business, NT Worksafe, Gambling & Licensing Services that there will be no bar trade or takeaway trade, but that "some licensed dining establishments may be open under their license conditions". In layman's terms, unless you find a pub that’s open, you’re screw-topped!
South Australia
The city of Churches remains relatively sober today, but we’ve found two loopholes. Restaurants may provide alcohol with a meal, otherwise, there's only one incredibly expensive alternative.
Hotels are allowed to sell liquor to lodgers for consumption off premises. So, book yourself a room for the weekend, pack a picnic and pour yourself a nice glass of Penfolds.
Western Australia
Similar to South Australia, restaurants and hotels are your best bet today for the west coast. Bottle shops are shut, shut, shut!
Those poor, hard-working, thirsty miners! What will they splash their cash on now?
Tasmania
We’ve saved the best till last. Tasmania is open for booze business today with absolutely no restrictions to the Apple Isle.
It's almost tempting to book some cheap flights. It's just a shame bottle openers are banned from carry-on luggage.
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