CAUTIOUS optimism is the mood among several Orange eateries who will open their doors after a six-week lockdown this week.
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Staffing numbers, enforcing the government's double-vaccination mandate, limits on capacity and restocking are among the issues impacting on hospitality business before throwing open their doors, all under the cloud of possible further lockdown.
The Union Bank's general manager Sarah Crowley, whose venue will begin trading again from Thursday at 12pm, said if anything, COVID-19 had forced business to get creative, especially around staffing levels.
"We opened six months into the pandemic so we feel like it's second nature to roll with whatever they put in front of us," Ms Crowley said.
"We've had to open up our minds a little bit more and go down a more creative path with staff - we have to think outside the box with the way we approach service."
Birdie Noshery and Drinking Est. Simmon Hawke, who will also open fine-dining destination Lolli Redinni with partner Leah Morphett this week, said businesses would be relying on local support until Sydney lockdowns were lifted.
"There's a bit of trepidation I guess (about reopening) because obviously they can still shut us down at a moment's notice, although I'm fairly confident that won't happen because we're so close to the 70 per cent."
Ms Hawke said the decision to delay reopening was also about gaining more clarity on government restrictions.
"We left it that little bit extra just because there wasn't much clarity around the rules especially with the regional areas," Ms Hawke said.
The issue of double-vaccination is also a concern or venues. From October 11 staff must be fully vaccinated and wear masks while patrons must also be fully vaccinated to gain entry.
The enforcement of that mandate is being left to venues and is another area of ambiguity according to Ms Hawke and Ms Crowley.
"People can come in unvaccinated at the moment but on the 11th that will change," Ms Crowley said.
Ms Hawke said the enforcement would also add an extra cost.
"Yes you've got to do the QR code sign-in when you come in but if we're to go around and physically check every person's double-vaccination status, it's virtually another staff member's job
"If you put that a long side reduced capacity, it just makes running a business more costly and harder."
Ms Hawke admitted she was nervous about the future.
"We've lost most of October which is when the festival seasons is, the wine festival which was cancelled, school holidays have just finished, we've lost all that, then going into November things get traditionally a little bit quieter
"We've missed a lot this year so we've got a lot of catching up to do - hopefully well get the support of locals."
Birdie Noshery and Drinking Est. will open today from 7.30am.
When NSW hits 70 per cent fully vaccinated, holiday movement across regional LGAs will be permitted, except for Central Coast, Wollongong, Shellharbour and Blue Mountains.
At 80 per cent, there are no travel restrictions inside NSW borders and LGAs for people who have had two doses.
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