A WODONGA hotelier believes the Victorian government is taking an unintelligent approach to reopening hospitality venues.
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Tom Weatherall, who own's Elgin's, was commenting after Premier Daniel Andrews announced regional eateries from Monday can have up to 40 customers indoors and 70 outside.
They were previously able to have 20 and 50 in the respective areas.
Mr Weatherall said "thank you Dan for getting rid of a bit of stupid" but added a more nuanced system was needed for venues like his, which can cater to 600 across distinctly separate areas.
"This one-size-fits-all program, whoever is writing this is writing it without sufficient intelligence and this is our government," he said.
"Our government should have the best brains."
Mr Weatherall would like Albury and Wodonga pubs to be governed by the same rules, saying it was wrong to have a "gob-smacking difference" between the cities.
He said such a set-up would aid employment and mental health.
Elgin's usually employs between 70 and 80 but now has less than a third with half of that number described as having make-up work.
Across the former railway corridor in Wodonga, the leaseholder of the Church Street Hotel was more upbeat about the changes.
Stacey Beattie described the changes as fantastic.
"It's really exciting for us, it's a long way from our full capacity but leading into Christmas we couldn't be happier," Mrs Beattie said.
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"It means we can have a great grand final weekend next weekend."
Mrs Beattie said she was having a meeting with her new chef as news of the changes emerged on Sunday.
In addition to new kitchen staff there are plans to hire extra bar tenders and waiters.
Mrs Beattie said talks with Wodonga Council about expanding on to the footpath had been held but that would not be necessary to house the new patron cap.
She and her husband Michael took ownership of the lease in July.
Mr Beattie has worked at the Albion and Soden's hotels in Albury, while Mrs Beattie has switched careers, having been a teacher and guided pupils at Albury Public School earlier this year.
Other changes announced on Sunday include dancing schools being able to return with on-site sessions for up to 20 students from November 1.
Co-owner of Wodonga's MT Dance Creative Meegan Strauss was thrilled with the news, having believed the previous timeframe of November 23 meant it was unlikely classes could resume at her premises this year.
"It will be very exciting," Miss Strauss said.