Part of this involves double checking licensing restrictions and council permits - the City of Ballarat committed to speeding up this process when a push for outdoor dining was announced on Monday.

The new rules, which come into effect 11.59pm Wednesday, mean hospitality venues can have up to 10 diners per space indoors, to a maximum of 20 with a density of one person per four square metres, and up to 50 diners outdoors, with a density of one person per 2sqm and 1.5m distance between tables.

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Tuesday's surprise announcement for indoor dining sent many businesses flying to secure deliveries and staff, and ensure their setups indoor and out were ready.

Council has so far had discussions with 24 venues across town with ideas about how to expand or enhance their outdoor dining - each is being considered on a case-by-case basis.

One business that'll be ready is RJM's Wine Bar on Mair Street, which put in application forms to expand opening hours for a lunchtime service just before stage three restrictions returned at the beginning of August.

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Co-owner Joan Miles said the City of Ballarat approved the change this week, meaning the business can open for more hours, which will be crucial to getting back to a semblance of normal trading quickly.

Ms Miles said the business introduced food service in June, when patrons could only enter for a seated meal.

She said she wanted to thank council's planning department for making sure her business could open as much as it could.

"They were most helpful when I asked if they could help with the processing time on our application to make a change to our opening hours," she said.

"Due to the state government's previous change to make us do meals, we thought it would be an advantage if we could add lunchtimes to our opening hours - we've decided to keep the meals as well, we've found they were quite popular, so we've decided to add lunchtime (service).

"We've got the council approval now, so we can open from 1pm every day, we can have that flexibility if people want to have birthdays or celebrations during the day, and we'll be starting off on Saturdays and Sundays."

Businesses may also be eligible for additional support from the state government to get outdoor dining infrastructure, but Ms Miles said to begin with council's planning department to see what can be done first.

"With this grant from the state government, I'm not sure how that's going to work yet, but we're waiting to find out," she said.

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"It's practical, it'll be a help - we already have outdoor dining facilities, that's part of the attraction, especially on a nice sunny day - the only slight disadvantage with the outdoor dining, which is what if it rains?"

There are plenty of online resources available for businesses, including free coronavirus resources from Commerce Ballarat, and support from the state government's business.vic.gov.au website.

Council has also urged any businesses looking to sort out issues involving permits and fees to get in touch via economicdevelopment@ballarat.vic.gov.au or phoning 5320 5500.

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