Easter 2026 Trading Hours and Labor Laws: What Your Business Needs to Know
The Easter long weekend in 2026 is one of the most significant periods for the Australian retail and hospitality sectors. However, it also brings a complex web of "restricted trading" laws that vary significantly between states. For business owners, opening on a restricted day without an exemption can lead to heavy fines, while for employees, it is a crucial time to ensure correct penalty rates are paid. Navigating the legal complexities of the 2026 Easter long weekend. Easter 2026 Trading Hours and Labor Laws: What Your Business Needs to Know In Australia, certain days during Easter are designated as Restricted Trading Days . This means that most businesses must remain closed unless they fall under specific exempt categories (such as chemists, petrol stations, or small independent grocers). 1. Restricted Days in 2026: Good Friday and Easter Sunday For 2026, the key dates to watch are: Good Friday (April 3): A restricted trading day in almost all states ...