Australian Hotels Association (AHA) of NSW Orana delegate Joanne Blair has highlighted the plight of hotels as she encouraged the public to show support through the tough time.

Pubs were some of the first businesses affected by shutdown measures to contain the spread of COVID-19, and received less than 24 hours' notice they would have to cease to operate for all but takeaway sales on March 23.

Many hoteliers in the region responded by switching to a takeaway meals and drinks offering, but Mrs Blair reported there had been a marked decline in business.

"So I just spoke to many country publicans and everyone was trying to do some version of trade and most people were reporting they were getting very little sales, just one or two customers in a night if they were lucky," she said.

The AHA delegate and owner of the Milestone Hotel at Dubbo spoke up for the embattled industry, saying it included "mum and dad businesses" that employed local people.

"I'd just like to encourage every member of our community to continue to support their local to get them through this very tough time and help us to still be there on the other side of this challenge," Mrs Blair said.

"Pubs have really been part of our Australian fabric for a couple hundred years and I'd hate to think that many of us disappeared through this kind of crisis.

"And the only way to do that is if our local customers just keep patronising our venues.

"So order your takeaway meal, collect a six-pack or a bottle of wine at the same time, let your local pub know you still love them and can't wait for them to reopen fully."

Mrs Blair suggested checking out venue websites or Facebook pages for individual arrangements and the latest information.

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