Zero prosecutions show just how much Anzac Day is

Zero prosecutions show just how much Anzac Day is respected

"It's great news that the Department of Labour will not prosecute any retailers for breaking the law on Anzac Day this year. It shows that overall New Zealand retailers respect Anzac Day arguably more than any other day of the year," says Cameron Brewer, chief executive of the Newmarket Business Association.

“Shopkeepers did not want to be disrespectful or be seen as unpatriotic. Hence the Department of Labour has reported a very high level of compliance. It reflects very well on the country's retailers and the business community in general.”

Mr Brewer says the Anzac Day trading restrictions that apply until 1pm are much more clear cut than the rules that apply for Easter which saw 38 retailers caught flouting the law earlier this month and getting $1,000 fines.

"Anzac Day is less complicated than Easter simply because there are no exemptions for the likes of garden centres nor are there anomalies where some areas can open and others can't.

“However I think the fact that not one single business was prosecuted shows just much respect Anzac Day and our veterans command.

"Based on the fact that not one retailer was caught breaking the law, arguably Anzac Day has become more sacrosanct in the retail calendar than Christmas and Easter, and that's ironic in itself. It’s the only day left that you can guarantee the shops won’t be open, and long may it last,” says Cameron Brewer.

ENDS

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