For two months Albury's pubs have stood vacant, with the normally bustling Dean Street nightlife silence by coronavirus restrictions.
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For pub owners and operators, it's been a time of financial hardship with their forecast income flat-lining in just hours as state and federal government announced restrictions on gatherings.
But with restrictions beginning to lift in NSW and ten patrons allowed in pubs for meal service, life is beginning to return to venues - even if profits remain elusive.
Spingdale Heights Tavern owner Brooke Bosse said it'd been a rough few months for everyone in the hospitality industry, which is why they were keen to reopen next week.
"We haven't been the worst affected because the bottle shop and drive-thru have been open the entire time," she said. "A lot of other pubs and clubs have closed completely."
He said the community had really thrown their support behind the pub's takeaway service and he hopes that support will continue when they do decide to open their doors again.
Bended Elbow owner Gavin Grant said reopening on Wednesday wasn't really about turning a profit but getting things running.
"We've got 20 people on JobKeeper allowances itching to come back and do something," he said.
"Buildings like that are not designed to be shut down, it's still costing money even just the electricity to run the fridge, freezer and security lights, with rent it all adds up.
"If we get ten people in at maybe $30 to $40 a head and we should be able to do two to three sittings with an hour between each, we should be okay."
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Mr Grant said the business had taken a real hit during lockdown, with their only income coming from takeaway coffees.
He said they've used the lock-down period to clean, revamp and do a lot of maintenance jobs.
Mr Grant said it would be great if post-lockdown the community supported local businesses.