AS pubs and clubs closed their doors at midday, one owner hoped the break might act as a reset button.
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Orange's venues heeded lockdown announcements on Sunday and Monday, with some patrons taking one last opportunity for a drink at their favourite watering hole.
Hotel Orange owner Vijay Bohra said it was a good thing to do.
"From a people's perceptions point of view, it's giving them confidence if we close down and come back with a fresh state of mind," he said.
But he said the most troubling part of the shutdown was how long it would last - two weeks would be ideal, with a two-week extension if necessary.
"If in three to four weeks, we can reopen with a bang with full rhythm, that will be fine," he said.
"If it goes for six months, that's unrealistic - [venues] will be out of business if it goes on for six months."
He said the hotel would be eligible for stimulus funding from the federal government.
"It's a helping hand, that's all it is, but it's better than nothing," he said.
Mr Bohra said there was still scope to offer takeaway and deliveries from the hotel's bistro, but it needed to be weighed against the time it would take to set up online ordering.
However, he said his other business, the Overlander, would continue to offer takeaway.
Parkview Hotel licencee Ben Cochrane said accommodation would remain open.
"But it will be quiet," he said, referencing urges from Prime Minister Scott Morrison to only travel when necessary.
"It was obviously a shock to the system but it needed to happen," he said.
Mr Cochran said the business would hold onto staff for as long as possible, working with guidelines from the Australian Hotels Association.
Orange Ex-Services' Club did not open at all on Monday after informing patrons on social media late on Sunday night the club would not open until further notice.
The Robin Hood Hotel confirmed it would provide takeaway meals from a limited menu and the bottle shop would continue to trade as normal, while Gong Thai at the Hotel Canobolas is also offering takeaway.
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