Pubs around NSW are getting ready to re-open.
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October 11 has been dubbed 'Freedom Day' and pubs are expecting a massive turnout after several months of being closed.
As part of the state government's roadmap out of lockdown, pubs will be allowed to open under restrictions which include masks to be worn inside and those drinking indoors must be seated.
However, drinking standing up will be permitted outdoors.
"We've been ready for the last month," Pastoral Hotel co-owner Greg Pilon, based in Dubbo in NSW's Central West, said.
Bookings have been available for fully-vaccinated customers for several weeks now and Mr Pilon is expecting a busy rush when they can open.
"Next week bookings are coming in pretty thick," he said.
"We are expecting it to be pretty hectic to be honest."
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South Dubbo Tavern co-owner Lee Green has been counting down the days until the doors of his pub can open again.
"Definitely [excited]," he said.
"It's been seven or eight weeks I think.
"So yeah we are looking forward to it."
Mr Green is also expecting a big turn out next week and will be sure to utilise the venue's outdoor area.
"The first Friday night I think we have got 60 or 70 people booked in," he said.
"It's good that we have got a big outdoor area because it is the two square-metre rule and people don't have to wear a mask outside."
For Mr Pilon, he is hoping customers flock in like they did last year after lockdown ended.
"It's not like you are losing any money," he said.
"You are just treading water and not going anywhere.
"It's a funny time but it is what it is.
"It's out of our control.
"If we look at last year's lockdown we probably came out of it better off.
"Hopefully, we will come out of this one alright too."
While staff had not worked in several weeks, Mr Pilon said it was an easy decision to continue to support them during lockdown.
"I started all my permanents back [Tuesday]," he said.
"None of our staff have missed out. We've payed our staff throughout, it's not their fault.
"We got them back today and we'll do four days of cleaning."
"If it opens [earlier than Monday], we will be ready to go."
NSW has reached 70 per cent double vaccination this week, with the new NSW Premier changing some of the rules for re-opening on October 11 today.