Ballarat businesses are relieved to reopen after Victoria's lockdown was lifted

Businesses were given mere hours to activate their plans after the lockdown was originally announced on Friday, with some hospitality businesses moving to takeaway only while others were forced to close completely, causing losses of income and perishable food.

While venues that moved to takeaway service were able to continue to put some money through the till, the lockdown had a severe impact on those that shut entirely such as Hop Temple.

Hop Temple owner Brian Taylor said the choice was made to not offer takeaway due to the rapid turnaround needed to put a system in place.

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"We don't focus on takeaway, it's about creating an experience for the customer in the venue. It's to do with atmosphere, service and customer engagement," he said.

"We chose not to do takeaway because we don't do takeaway everyday. It's a fair bit of work to pivot so quickly on such short notice.

"Last weekend was supposed to be one of our busiest weekends with Rock Ballarat and Valentine's Day but, obviously, we didn't get any of that trade whatsoever."

Mr Taylor said he was excited to reopen the venue and reconnect with regular customers.

"All the staff will be back first thing in the morning preparing for what's hopefully a busy weekend," he said.

"We genuinely love our regular customers, they're the best clientele I've ever been around. They're loyal, respectful and just fun to be around."

While hospitality venues suffered from a reduction in trade, retailers were forced to rely solely on online sales while their doors remained closed.

By serving takeaway coffee along with selling clothing, Creswick Road business Studio g.a.s was lucky to avoid shutting entirely but was still impacted by the lockdown.

Owner Vicki McGuigan estimated only a dozen people came into the shop over the course of the weekend.

"It was a huge hit and you do feel it, but at least it was five days and not five months," she said.

"Being takeaway, we were lucky to remain open. While people were waiting for their coffees, they could browse and pop back for their clothes when we open again."

Commerce Ballarat chief executive Jodie Gillett said she was thrilled with the Premier's announcement, but asked for greater clarity on the restrictions imposed on businesses.

"The business community was ready to kick back in as soon as they were allowed and that's really good news," she said.

"It's critical that the government ensures that whatever the announcements are, whatever restrictions we're under, when our businesses come to them for an answer, they get the right information.

"Unfortunately, these snap lockdowns are going to happen until we get this virus under control but there needs to be some strong guidance for businesses that they can rely on."

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