Because of a little-known loophole, Brisbane residents who were short on basics over the Anzac Day public holiday hurried to the only Woolworths supermarket open in the state.
Big chain stores, including major supermarkets, are required by Queensland law to close for 24 hours on Anzac Day.
A small provision in the law allows airports to keep shops open for flight passengers, which permitted the Woolworths at Brisbane Airport to remain open on the public holiday.
Customers queued outside Woolworths at the #BrisbaneAirport this afternoon, as it is the only major grocery shop open in the state today.
Some customers resorted to social media to chronicle the chaotic sights of throngs forming outside the supermarket as the doors opened for the day.
Shoppers have lined up outside Woolworths at the #BrisbaneAirport this afternoon as it is the only major grocery store to open across the entire state today.
Do you think that Anzac Day trading hours in Queensland should be reconsidered? #9News pic.twitter.com/dhpZdMOZop
— 9News Queensland (@9NewsQueensland) April 25, 2022
“Are you kidding?” one social media user wrote in response to a vision posted by Nine News.
“I live 109km from my nearest Woolworths, 250km from my nearest Coles,” they said.
“There is no need to be open 365 days a year and Anzac Day should be kept sacred.”
Independent grocery stores are excluded from the rule, as are all other independently held businesses.