The owner of Gerringong Bakery has expressed his frustration with the number of people he sees failing to check in or wear a mask when visiting his shop.

"It's sometimes 40 to 50 per cent of people who approach the shop either pretend to check in, or don't scan in," said Grant Jamieson.

He has also given out dozens of masks in the last few days to customers who have shown up without their own.

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Jamieson said the reactions were mixed when staff asked people to comply with the rules, with some people being apologetic and others becoming "quite unpleasant".

He said it was very uncomfortable and stressful for staff to have to make these requests, especially younger staff members.

"Some people have flatly have refused to sign in on entry, or have turned around and left when politely asked to do so," said Jamieson.

"But obviously every customer is very very important because they keep us afloat and we're in survival mode."

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With Gerringong being outside the lockdown area, the loss of traffic from visitors has been significant.

Mr Jamieson said trade was down by 50 to 60 per cent of what it should be.

"Our financial viability is eroding away, day by day, week by week," he said.

Mr Jamieson pleaded with people to think of small businesses and abide by the health rules, as they will be the ones copping fines during a difficult season of trade.

"Wear a mask, and scan in. We all have a role to play for the community and it's very, very simple," he said.

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Luckily the situation is different for some, like the busy Oasis Takeaway shop on Junction Street in Nowra which sees many walk in and out of its doors daily.

Store owner Matina Strathie said most people have been complying with mask mandates and QR code checkins.

"Everyone's been wearing masks and doing the right thing," she said.

"If people forget their masks, we've just been letting them know it's mandatory to wear one.

"Everyone's been checking in and we haven't had to pull many people up."

QR codes or electronic check-in methods are now mandatory for all hospitality venues and some other businesses in NSW.

Masks must be worn when entering non-residential premises, however can be removed whilst eating.

Hospitality workers must wear masks at all times.

For the latest updates on COVID-19 rules for NSW, visit: https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/rules