Dubbo pubs and bars are feeling the love of patrons as they get back to business in the wake of the two-month COVID lockdown.
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Licensed venues in the city reported of pleasing turnouts as they reopened the doors this week to the fully vaccinated after the testing time.
Food, drinks and a place for reunions are attracting people to their local, operators say.
The Monkey Bar Dubbo co-owner Tim Smith said their reopening on Tuesday had gone "really well".
"We were pretty much at capacity for the evening, everyone was happy and excited to be back, really good vibes all around," he said.
...everyone was happy and excited to be back, really good vibes all around.
- The Monkey Bar owner Tim Smith
"Just the feeling of being in a bar, able to go and order a drink while you're sitting next to your friend and picking at some food and just catching up on life, I think that's what everyone wanted most.
"And to celebrate things people have missed - we've already had a couple of birthday parties last night, we've got other stuff booked in for the weekend, life goes on and people are missing out so it's just time to catch up on all of that, I think, and everyone's just ready."
NSW, after reaching the 70 per cent double-dose vaccination target, has eased restrictions for people who are fully vaccinated, under a three-stage reopening plan.
Mr Smith said the first night had gone smoothly.
"No issues at all in terms of abiding by the rules and understanding what the requirements are both of them and of us, which is good," he said.
"I think everyone is educated and prepared and knows what needs to be done for the next little bit of time at least to make sure that we open up safely...."
The Commercial Hotel's return on Monday night was one of its biggest nights yet, manager Jimmy Anthon said.
"We are so humbled by the amazing support we received last night," he said.
"It was great to see so many familiar faces with guests loving our new spring/summer menu and Pete Riley playing live. It was one of the biggest nights we've ever had with everyone really well behaved but we dare say there'd be a few sore heads and feet this morning.
"We wouldn't be here without our loyal friends of The Mersh and we can't wait till more rules are relaxed in the coming weeks."
The Milestone Hotel manager Scott Davies said "90 per cent of people" were "really understanding" about the rules and after eight weeks everyone was "champing at the bit to have a bit of fun".
"Seems like most people just wanted to come out and just hang out with a few friends or some family they haven't been able to be around," he said.
"So the pub's a great place to come down and have a beer or have a nice feed."
The hotel had made careful preparation for a safe reopening.
"We've got plenty of staff on to make sure we can monitor everyone coming through the door, make sure everyone's safe, make sure everything stays sanitised and clean as well," Mr Davies said.
"Following all the guidelines we've been given to hopefully get through it as fast as possible."