Premier Gladys Berejiklian announced new rules would be introduced from Friday to pubs across NSW that would limit group bookings to a maximum of 10 people and cap the number of customers inside a venue to 300 people after a concerning rise in COVID-19 cases.

Wollongong Police District Commander, Acting Superintendent Brad Ainsworth said the new restrictions were "needed and warranted".

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"Officers will be out on Saturday night conducting business inspections," he said.

"Our aim is to educate licencees and if we need to, enforce the rules.

"We have seen the line-ups to get into licenced premises at other places in NSW. We won't be tolerating that.

"We want venue owners to work with us. They have to implement their COVID-19 safety plans.

"Patrons have to sign in, use hand santiser and not stand or mingle. We need to ensure there is a limit of 10 people per booking.

"That is a big change for patrons and venues but in the scheme things, that is not a big ask.

"We have a low number of cases, so if we maintain the social distance and abide by the rules then there will not be any more inconvenience to Wollongong people."

Some venues will also check patrons' temperatures.

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Acting Supt Ainsworth said the last thing he wanted to see was a large outbreak of cases after people attend a Wollongong venue.

The new rules also require hygiene marshalls to patrol venues to oversee social distancing, cleaning and hygiene, and ensure the mandatory implementation of a COVID-Safe plan.

Any business found in breach of the public health orders will be held to account and could face a penalty of up to $55,000 and a further $27,500 penalty may apply for each day an offence continues.

On-the-spot fines of $1000 for individuals and $5000 for businesses can also be issued.

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