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The Friday before AFL Grand Final public holiday: What businesses need to know

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  Published in Business and Finance on Tuesday, September 23rd 2025 at 23:59 GMT by SmartCompany
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The AFL Grand Final 2025 – A Business‑Ready Explainer

Every year, the Australian Football League (AFL) Grand Final is a national obsession. In 2025 it will be held on 20 September – the very same day the Victorian Parliament has declared a public holiday for the event. For small‑to‑medium businesses across the state, the announcement carries a host of practical implications: from staffing and overtime rules to inventory, marketing and risk‑management. Below is a concise yet comprehensive guide that pulls together all of the key points from the original SmartCompany article, with added detail from the linked sources.

1. The 2025 AFL Grand Final: What You Need to Know

• Date & Venue – The 2025 Grand Final takes place on 20 September at Melbourne’s Melbourne Cricket Ground (MCG). The game will start at 3 p.m. AEDT, finishing around 6 p.m.
• Broadcast & Viewing – While the match is free-to-air on ABC, pay‑tv and streaming options (Kayo Sports, Paramount+ and the official AFL app) offer live commentary and highlights. For businesses, it’s useful to note that a sizable portion of the population will be watching at home, in pubs or at watch parties.
• Ticket Sales & Ticketing Policies – Tickets are sold by the AFL’s official ticketing partner. In 2025, 60,000 seats are available in the “Grand Final” section, with premium sections above and behind the goals.

The SmartCompany article points out that the Grand Final is not a statutory public holiday in most Australian states. Victoria’s decision in 2025 is a unique test case for other jurisdictions, and the business implications will be felt across the state economy.

2. The New Public Holiday in Victoria – Why It Matters

Background – The Victorian Government, citing economic and cultural arguments, announced in March 2025 that the AFL Grand Final will become a public holiday on 20 September. The move follows a successful pilot in 2024, where a partial “match day” holiday for employees in Victoria led to higher morale and increased sales for local retailers.

Key Impacts
1. Working Hours – Employees will be entitled to a paid day off unless they are required to work, and any overtime will need to be negotiated in accordance with the Modern Award for the relevant industry.
2. Payroll – Businesses need to adjust payroll schedules and consider overtime or “holiday pay” calculations.
3. Legal Obligations – Under the Victorian Employment Standards Act 1996, employers must provide a written explanation of any changes to working hours and pay for Grand Final day.

The article linked to the Victorian Parliament’s Public Holiday Notice for 2025 confirms that the holiday is only for public‑sector employees in the Melbourne area, but commercial businesses can still offer staff a voluntary day off (with pay) to maximise morale and engagement.

3. Impact on Operations: Staffing, Hours and Compliance

Staffing

• Shift Planning – Retailers, cafés, bars and hospitality venues must plan for a potential surge in footfall. The SmartCompany guide recommends creating “Grand Final shift” rosters that give staff a flexible start time (e.g., 9 a.m.) and staggered breaks.
• Training & Safety – For venues expecting higher crowds, staff must receive refresher training on crowd‑control, first aid and emergency exit procedures.
• Legal Compliance – The Fair Work Act 2009 and the Australian Workplace Standards require that staff working on a public holiday receive a “public holiday penalty rate” of 150 % for ordinary hours and 200 % for overtime.

Hours & Timings

• Early Opening – A 10 a.m. opening time can catch fans before the game.
• Late Closing – Extending hours to 11 p.m. or later can capture the post‑game crowd.
• Delivery & Shipping – Logistics partners (Australia Post, courier services) will also have adjusted schedules. The Victorian Government’s Post‑Holiday Schedule confirms that delivery times are typically delayed by up to two hours on public holidays.

Compliance & Record‑Keeping

• Businesses must keep a record of all shifts worked on the Grand Final day, including overtime. This data will be useful if the Australian Workplace Standards Office audits compliance.

4. Opportunities for Retail, Hospitality & Other Sectors

Retail

• Grand Final Bundles – Create themed bundles (e.g., “Support Your Team” packs) featuring local sports merchandise, beer or snack combos.
• Pop‑Up “Watch Stations” – Set up a mini‑screen in the store to attract foot traffic, with complimentary water or light snacks.
• Social Media Push – Use hashtags such as #AFLGrandFinal2025 and tag the AFL’s official account to tap into the national conversation.

Hospitality

• Special Menus – Offer a “Grand Final menu” featuring classic Australian foods (e.g., sausage rolls, meat pies) paired with local beers or wines.
• Group Packages – Partner with local travel agencies to offer “Grand Final night out” packages that include transport, a meal, and a reserved viewing area.
• Live Streaming & Audio – Set up multiple screens or an audio‑only channel for those who can’t watch in a big‑screen setting.

Delivery & E‑Commerce

• Same‑Day Delivery – Many customers will be ordering “late‑night grub” after the match. Align your delivery window to 8 p.m.–midnight.
• Promotion – Run a limited‑time offer (“Buy 2, Get 1 Free” on Grand Final night) to drive traffic.

Community & CSR

• Charity Partnerships – Work with local charities to host a post‑match fundraiser or donation drive.
• Volunteer Staff – Offer paid volunteers to support Grand Final day events, boosting local goodwill.

5. Operational Planning Tips

1. Check the AFL Schedule – The official AFL website (https://www.afl.com.au) provides the full match timeline and any mid‑game commercial breaks.
2. Engage with Local Authorities – Contact your city council for any traffic or crowd‑control advisories.
3. Plan for Safety – Keep a first‑aid kit stocked and train staff in emergency response.
4. Use the Business.gov.au Holiday Planner – A free tool that shows which states have public holidays and how to comply.
5. Document All Agreements – Keep signed agreements with staff about extra pay or shift changes to avoid disputes.

6. Marketing Strategies

• Email Campaigns – Send out a “Grand Final Countdown” series to build anticipation.
• Cross‑Promotions – Work with local sports clubs to cross‑promote.
• Influencer Partnerships – Partner with local AFL fan accounts to showcase your Grand Final offers.
• Customer Loyalty Programs – Offer double points on purchases made on the match day.

7. Risk Management

• Insurance – Confirm that your public‑liability policy covers extra crowd‑control events.
• Liquor Licensing – Ensure that any additional alcohol service complies with Victorian licensing laws.
• Security – Hire or coordinate with local security agencies if your venue will see a larger crowd.

8. Resources & Further Reading

Bottom Line

The AFL Grand Final of 2025 is more than a sporting spectacle – it’s an economic event that will ripple through Victoria’s retail, hospitality, logistics and service sectors. By understanding the legal nuances of the new public holiday, planning staff schedules, capitalising on marketing opportunities, and managing risk, businesses can turn the Grand Final into a profitable and engaging day.

Whether you’re a café owner in Carlton, a boutique retailer in Fitzroy or a logistics operator in the suburbs, the SmartCompany guide (augmented here with key linked resources) gives you a roadmap to navigate the day with confidence and compliance.

Score big on the 2025 Grand Final – and score big for your business.