Despite bans on public dancing and strict conditions placed on bars and pubs, COVID-19 hasn't crushed the spirits of people wanting a good time in Wollongong.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While numbers are limited at venues, operators around the CBD told the Mercury there was no shortage of patrons keen for a bevvy in the new world.
La La La's manager Nathan Stratton said staff sometimes had to police the ban on dancing during gigs, but patrons had been "embracing" the new pandemic regulations.
"It's still different and it's weird, but especially on a Friday or Saturday night you can see people don't seem to be too spooked," he said.
"Everybody's pretty well behaved; it seems they're all trying to do all the right things so we can get back to some kind of normal sooner rather than later."
Under government restrictions dance-floors are not permitted (except for the bridal dance at a wedding), while rules on capacity mean La La La's can have just 57 patrons at one time instead of 196 - putting them in "survival mode".
"We'll keep on limping through for the rest of the year," Mr Stratton said.
"If we just play it safe these next few months ... hopefully by the time summer comes around we'll be able to do a bit more."
Night Parrot co-manager Tom Chiumento said they too were booked out from 4.30pm to 2.30am each Friday and Saturday.
The eatery and small bar has needed to enact 90-minute booking times to remain sustainable, as they can only allow 20 patrons in at a time.
Overall, Mr Chiumento was happy with trade but wanted to remind people to stick by regulations - for the health of others but also to ensure Wollongong's night-time economy remains intact.
Having to sign in and having to sit down, they're not end of the world regulations - it's better than being locked up like Melbourne is right now.
- Ben Abraham
Ben Abraham from Good Times Only said all of their local bars - Howlin Wolf, Dagwood plus Births and Deaths - were mostly booked out in advance.
The group reopened their latest night spot The Little Prince on Wednesday, renovated to be "nothing like it used to" and ready to welcome 80 patrons five night a week.
"While the restrictions are undeniably different from what going out was like pre-COVID, it's not so restrictive that you can't still have a good time," Mr Abraham said.
"I think people are dipping their toe in the water and realising it's still pretty good.
"Having to sign in and having to sit down, they're not end-of-the-world regulations - it's better than being locked up like Melbourne is right now."
All operators urged people to make a booking when heading out, though each venue listed can also take a limited number of thirsty walk-ins.
We depend on subscription revenue to support our journalism. If you are able, please subscribe here. If you are already a subscriber, thank you for your support.