IT'S been a long time coming but clubs and pubs were officially allowed to reopen on Monday, June 1 after NSW Government COVID-19 restrictions were eased.
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In fact, something like 70 plus days.
Around Nowra, a number of licenced premises reopened on Monday, with the Postman's Tavern on the corner of Junction and Berry streets welcoming back its regulars.
Manager Sian Gilmour said it was great to be back open, albeit with new strict COVID guidelines.
"We have had to change the way we do things," she said.
"Everyone who comes in has to sign in and leave a contact number for our records," she said.
"We also offer free hand sanitiser as you enter."
Patrons need to be seated when consuming alcohol and must adhere to the 1.5m distance rules.
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"We have spaced out chairs to cater to the 1.5m distancing," she said.
"It's hard for some of the real locals who like to stand at the bar and have a chat.
"They can only really walk to the bar to get a drink and then return to their seat.
"But this is the new world ... the way we have to do things."
Of course, if patrons are related or live together they are able to sit next to each other.
The pub's restaurant has also reopened, as has the poker machine area but with restrictions.
Ms Gilmour said it was good to see some of the "regulars" back in the pub.
"We've missed them and haven't seen them since the government enforced shutdown," she said.
While some staff have been off work during the shutdown, others have worked at the Bomaderry Hotel, which is owned by the same proprietors and remained open offering a delivery and takeaway service.
But the downtime was well spent according to Ms Gilmour, with the interior of the Postman's Tavern given a spruce up with a new coat of paint.
"We weren't sitting idle," she said.
Barperson Patch Hall also welcomed the reopening.
"It's great to be back serving people," she said.
"And to see our regulars is great.
"Some tell me it's been 72 days."