Across multiple lockdowns, some of Ballarat's favourite pubs have closed and reopened almost too many times to count, have been reduced to takeaways only and then limited numbers. But before you as a patron get turned away when they are at very limited capacity, spare a thought for the staff who have had to forge through 18 months of this.

Mr Gayton is one of them.

The respected publican, known for his wry smile, is showing signs of strain. Usually clean shaven and jovial, Mr Gayton is ragged. He has lost 22 kilograms. Since Thursday, Mr Gayton has been bedridden. His mental and physical collapse had been getting nearer.

Across last year, juggling two hotels was problematic for Mr Gayton. When COVID-19 was first running rampant, he needed to travel to Cobden to look after the hotel built by his great grandparents. Overseeing two sites had an immense impact.

"It was twice the fun, running two hotels," Mr Gayton sarcastically commented.

He said the City Oval has religiously complied with health restrictions, but such requirements have meant there has been more to juggle. Ensuring signage, setting up sanitation stations, and establishing cleaning schedules are all par for the course in this new world.

"I have now become a policeman, not a publican," Mr Gayton said.

The hotel is regularly bombarded with questions.

"The phone does not stop ringing. Everyone thinks I have the answers," Mr Gayton lamented.

"Why only 10 inside? If I am vaccinated, can I come in?"

Each day brings challenges.

On the night of one AFL preliminary final, Mr Gayton had to ask two men, who had moved inside, to vacate. This was at 9pm. Mr Gayton had sat down for the first time that day to eat.

In addition, the AFL grand final public holiday was not the joyous occasion anticipated. Things had been pleasantly unfolding, although Mr Gayton remained vigilant.

"I had lots of people enjoying being back," Mr Gayton said.

"Outside, there was one group of 10 blokes that had booked 4pm to 6pm. I was talking to them about having to move."

It was around this time two licensing officials arrived. Although the authority figures approved of the safety measures in place, saying they were the best they had seen in Ballarat, the following hours were difficult for the hotel's owner.

Mr Gayton explained how difficult it was to get people to move around and adhere to the strict patron limits. Investigations inside the venue continued, troubling Mr Gayton.

"It had me in tears when my wife spoke to them about my MS and the mental and physical toll on me and the business over the last 18 months," he said. "They sat me down and informed me anything I say can be used against me in court. I felt like a criminal."

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With football fans in a state of euphoria across the last week, tumult continued for the City Oval Hotel. The staff are drained. Last Friday, an experienced hand left work, unable to cope. Two employees have resigned this week.

"I have adult staff crying at the bar," Mr Gayton said.

"We are losing staff due to the mental impact. We need experienced staff front and back of house and an apprentice chef."

To keep going, Mr Gayton gains inspiration from his father, a World War II doctor based in both North Africa and the Pacific.

"I am trying to keep my business afloat, my staff employed, our mental well-being in check, and bring some happiness to our customers," Mr Gayton said.

"We are small and nimble. I feel like a small boat. We can fuel up and get moving. Chefs have become very good at adapting."

Mr Gayton is indebted to his wife, staff, the Australian Hotels Association, accountant, and loyal suppliers. He also appreciates his patrons.

"We would not have been able to keep going for this long without the support of customers, providing words of encouragement and ordering takeaways," Mr Gayton said.

Mr Gayton's eyes light up when he tells of four men on an extensive pub crawl. Such was their love of the City Oval Hotel, they had wanted Mr Gayton to join them.

"It was tempting," Mr Gayton chuckled. Despite numerous obstacles, Mr Gayton is refusing to relent, channeling the spirit of his late father; "We have lost a few good men and women during this battle, but we will keep up the good fight. It gives others hope."

The Victorian Commission for Gambling and Liquor Regulation was contacted. "Two inspectors completed a routine inspection of the City Oval Hotel. We are yet to finalise the outcomes of this inspection. Members also inspected a number of licensed venues across Ballarat," a spokesperson said.

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