THE 1988 ditty Don't Worry, Be Happy might as well be the theme song for Albury hotelier Jodie Tiernan as she tackles the COVID-19 crisis.
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The owner of Public House in Dean Street has had to radically rejig how she operates but is staying upbeat and hoping to fill patrons with the same vibe.
"We want people to come in and forget about what's going on and for half an hour enjoy a bit of happiness," Ms Tiernan said.
"We're giving off a lot of happiness and smiles and only playing happy music."
The requirement to have less than 100 people inside and social distancing has seen tables spaced out.
Drinks are no longer being served from the bar, with orders taken at the table.
Staff are singing Happy Birthday twice to themselves to ensure they wash their hands for a set period.
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Normally tonight, in the wake of the Gold Cup, Public House would be experiencing its busiest and most profitable evening with 400 through the doors.
Ms Tiernan has no shifts for her casuals with the impact of COVID-19 stark.
"It's like a bit of a ghost town; last night in Dean Street at half-eight it was empty and normally we've got full tables," she said.
Meanwhile, Dartmouth Pub owner and past Towong Shire mayor Aaron Scales has written an open letter to politicians and the community telling of his fear his hotel, which has five casual staff, may close.
January's bushfires saw his turnover fall by $80,000 and he has already taken a $7000 hit through cancellations spurred by COVID-19.
"I would implore the government to readdress the 'one size fits all' approach to this current pandemic and truly listen to those that are on the ground and suffering," Mr Scales wrote.
He told The Border Mail that he would like governments to offer cash investments or interest-free or low interest loans.
"It would give business confidence that a few of the bills are behind you and you can look at diversifying your business and what you're offering to get customers through the doors," Mr Scales said.
The annual Dart Cup fishing competition set down for June usually provides the pub with a $25,000 profit and helps tide the business over winter.
Mr Scales anticipates it will proceed but expects reduced numbers from the usual 450 anglers.
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