The south-west is doing its best adapting to the new business climate in order to survive the economic fallout of the coronavirus .
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As the federal government banned indoor gatherings of more than 100 people on Wednesday, businesses scrambled to abide with sweeping restrictions.
Rafferty's Tavern general manager Mark McIlroy will transform its two dining areas, one that hosts up to 400 people, by removing chairs and tables so it can only cater for up to 100 people in each space.
"We're going to limit the seats so we can't ever go over that number. We're going to create space," Mr McIlroy said.
He said staff were also sanitising surfaces every 30 minutes, including wiping down the kids' playroom four times a day.
"Staff are wearing gloves, all our menus will be printed fresh every day, we'll have sanitising wipes on the tables," Mr McIlroy said. "We just really want to get on the front foot and we want to make it a safe place for everybody."
Mr McIllroy said there would two separate sittings for dinner, and a takeaway service.
"I look at the positive side. It just makes you adapt and get more creative," he said.
Warrnambool's RSL has also introduced two separate sittings to keep bistro patron numbers at one time to a minimum.
President John Miles said the venue served about 170 meals last Saturday night and he now asked diners to call ahead.
"No one knows how long this is going to go on for," Mr Miles said. "We hope we can keep trading right through."
The Seanchai Irish Bar usually sees 600 patrons through its doors on a Saturday night but part-owner Joshua O'Dowd will cap that to about 90 people on one floor.
"The most distressing part is after seven years of building up the business, I've had to cut back my casual staff," he said. "It is what it is."
City Memorial Bowls Club general manager Julie Dosser said the venue bistro could host up to 100, but patronage had already "dropped considerably" and was unlikely to reach capacity.
"Yesterday we did 42 for lunch. It just depends day-to-day, and whether people feel comfortable," Ms Dosser said.
"At this stage there hasn't been a huge reduction in staff but we will see that change over the coming weeks."
Pavilion Cafe and Bar co-owner Mary-Ellen Watson will adjust her business' functions to cater to the new regulations.
"We've definitely had events in the past which have had over 100 people in attendance and now we won't be hosting any events with over 100 people," she said.
"We have to evolve with this change.
"We're thinking of more takeaway options and this definitely allows people to enjoy their fish and chips on the beach where they feel safe and comfortable."
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