A major easing of restrictions has Gunnedah publicans and Gunnedah Show Society members excited for the future.
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NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced on Wednesday the two-square-metre rule will be expanded for clubs and retail, and venue caps will be removed from Monday.
Courthouse Hotel owner Rob Broomham says it's "good news", especially for the upcoming Christmas period.
"It will mean we can go back to reasonable numbers in the hotel," Mr Broomham said.
"Before we were reduced to 135 people in the whole hotel. 135 in a hotel that size isn't a whole lot, so now it can be 270 people, which for us will be pretty near normal trading."
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Gunnedah Hotel publican Luke Prout said it was also good for those having Christmas parties.
"The fact that people won't be limited to seating and can get around to their friends, I think it's going to make a big difference," he said.
Under the new rules, dance floors will have up to 50 people indoors and singers can jump back on the stage with the same amount of performers.
Those dancing are unable to have a drink in their hand, though.
Mr Broomham says he'll be looking at bringing back DJs on a Saturday night to get the nightlife happening again in town.
"We want to support the local DJs because they've had no work since March," he said.
Maximum capacity caps will also be removed subject to the two-square-metre rule for agricultural shows, hospitality venues, weddings, funerals, corporate events and religious services.
The show society is busy planning for the 2021 Gunnedah Show, which member George Truman says is being planned for April 16.
He told the NVI they're working out the logistics of COVID sign-ins and monitoring social distancing in time for the show.
The eased restrictions was the first load of good news for the Gunnedah Show this week, after it was announced on Thursday they were successful for $15,000 in federal government funding.
The funds are to offset costs used when planning the 2020 show.
"That'll help to get things on track for next year," Mr Truman said.
The funds are part of the $34 million Supporting Agricultural Shows and Field Days program.