Warrnambool police Inspector Paul Marshall said he wouldn't be surprised if people were unaware of the rule.

The Standard is aware of at least one garage sale that was held in Warrnambool last weekend.

However, no fines have been issued at this stage, Inspector Marshall said.

"It wouldn't come as a surprise to me if people were holding garage sales because they're not aware they're not allowed to," Inspector Marshall said.

"It's something that hasn't popped up but I would encourage people to make sure they are aware of the guidelines."

Inspector Marshall said the majority of south-west residents were adhering to COVID-19 restrictions.

"We're seeing some really good compliance," he said.

"You drive around the streets and you see everyone is wearing their masks when they can't social distance."

Inspector Marshall said pubs and clubs were proving the most difficult places to enforce the rules.

He said licence holders had been warned to ensure people were not becoming intoxicated on their premises.

"It's been a long time since people have been out and about and they're going out and letting their hair down," Inspector Marshall said.

He said it could also be challenging to ensure masks were worn when people were not eating or drinking.

"I do sympathise with licencees and staff who have to constantly supervise people and ensure they're wearing masks and social distancing," Inspector Marshall said.

"However, the onus is on the person responsible to know what the rules are and put in place some measures to ensure they're breaching them."

A state government spokeswoman said garage sales on private properties were not allowed.

"The public gathering limit only applies to public spaces, and therefore is not applicable to household gardens or spaces," the spokeswoman said.

"The sale of personal items can occur in a public space, subject to any applicable restrictions (eg contactless pick-up at the front of the house)."

People breaching the coronavirus rules by hosting a garage sale may be slapped with a fine.

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