Members of Ballarat's hospitality industry are saying they are ready for the next step in easing restrictions after a successful first weekend of operations.
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Currently, venues can only seat 10 people per large space indoors with a maximum of 20 indoor patrons, as well as up to 50 outdoor patrons if spacing allows.
While some venues have been able to use this model to bring in up to 70 customers at a time, businesses with limited outdoor space, like the popular Mitchell Harris Wines, have been left waiting for restrictions to ease further.
Co-owner Alicia Linley said her business has been ready to get back to full operations for some time.
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"We've been ready to open for a long time, so the more people we can have in, the better," she said.
"We would welcome things ramping up, we may need to bring in more staff, but we've continued a working relationship with former casual staff for that purpose.
"I think everyone is really keen to get things back to normal... the takeaway model potentially wasn't using them to the best of their ability and wasn't particularly inspiring for them either, so they're all welcoming things easing moving forward."
Ms Linley added she has been working with neighbouring businesses and the City of Ballarat to help maximise her outdoor space.
"We've chatted to our neighbours about potentially increasing our outdoor dining space when they are closed... currently on Sunday's neither of them are open, so we are working with council to try and make something happen," she continued.
"It'd be lovely to see more people inside because even with that extra space, the spring weather in Ballarat can cause problems."
While the caps of patrons may be causing headaches for some businesses, the issue of consumer confidence has also been a large one within hospitality.
Ms Linely said it is crucial to make sure her patrons and the greater community feel safe when they dine out.
"I think a lot of people are very up to date with how to remain COVID-safe," she said.
"Not a huge amount has changed in terms of making sure your patrons and staff are protected. I think that gives customers some peace of mind with everything going on.
"Obviously there are people who are going to feel nervous about going out, however there are lots more people who are comfortable with all the measures in place to keep everyone safe."
Looking at exactly what businesses need as restrictions ease, Ballarat publican and Australian Hotels Association Victorian president David Canny said regional Victorian venues should be able to host more patrons inside.
Mr Canny said change needs to be made soon to help save struggling businesses.
"We're lagging here," he said.
"Regional Victoria has got less numbers than New South Wales, which have been trading for around 100 days.
"Our pubs have been following the COVID-safe plan exceptionally well... we're ready to go, there's nothing else we need to do, we just need the nod of approval. There's nothing stopping us from going to the next stage."
As part of the Victorian government's COVID-roadmap, the next step would allow 50 people inside venues.
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