The NSW Government will allow pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants to have up to 50 customers from June 1, as COVID-19 restrictions are eased further.
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Meanwhile, management of some high-profile Illawarra venues are busy preparing for this date.
"The Shellharbour Club is counting down the days until we can re-open our doors to our community," The Shellharbour Club CEO Debbie Cosmos said on Friday.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian on Friday announced the "big and critical" step for the state, but said strict rules would be in place for venues.
They will still have to adhere to the four square metre rule, bookings of more than 10 people will be banned, and patrons won't be allowed to stand.
Currently, dining venues can only have a maximum of 10 patrons if they maintain social distancing. That includes alcohol table service with meals at NSW pubs and clubs.
Ms Berejiklian said the move was about safely bringing back thousands of jobs.
Ms Cosmos said as of June 1, their café will be open as will their brasserie, Fiftysix Dining, with a brand new menu and new look.
Meanwhile, Wollongong's Steelers Club is also readying for next month.
General manager Sharon Arrow said they would be re-opening on June 1, for dining only, as per restrictions during the "new era".
"Because it's so early in the piece we're (still) working out the operational element of it," she said.
"We haven't got full clarification from ClubsNSW yet on the finer details. At this stage, we're anticipating that it's just going to be dining like it has been for the 10 (people).
"So that's what we're planning for. We'll probably have restricted hours; we won't be open 21 hours a day if it's just the dining component.
"But it's a start, and we're just really happy to at least have the doors open and be welcoming guests in."
The Illawarra Business Chamber has welcomed the NSW Government's decision.
"Cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs across the Illawarra will be delighted by this announcement which has been timed to coincide with the resumption of regional travel and tourism on June 1," Adam Zarth, executive director of the Illawarra Business Chamber said.
"Every step we take to open up the economy and get businesses back up and running is good for jobs and for the well-being of our citizens.
"Businesses are raring to re-open in earnest and are keen to stand on their own two feet. The announcement today will help many of them to do just that, with 50 people per venue, even with social distancing, a much more sustainable option."