To help them survive the quieter summer months, Wagga's restaurant owners are calling on businesses to still book their staff Christmas parties.
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COVID-19 turned workplaces on their head, and the impacts still linger meaning the traditional end-of-year parties will also look very different.
Richard Moffatt, director at Meccanico, said the festive season bookings have been unusually slow.
"I think people are reluctant to make plans for Christmas parties because the rules and regulations have changed so often," he said.
"They want to wait until the last minute, which can make it hard for operators like us."
Employers and venues alike will need to adapt their usual silly season bashes, but Mr Moffatt said that is no reason to cancel altogether.
He explained that, even in a typical year, December is time for the "icing on the cake" as it is the biggest profit month for any hospitality business.
Mr Moffatt added the downturn in income since March as a result of the pandemic makes this Christmas season even more critical in keeping doors open and people employed.
"We really need to pump more money and life into all hospitality businesses across the region to ensure we can have a successful 2021," Mr Moffatt said.
"Wagga is traditionally always quiet in January and February, as people head out to go to the coast or visit family.
"So we really do rely on December to line the coffers. If we can finish this year with a bang, it is really going to set us up for next year."
Current public health order rules state that a maximum of 30 people for a group booking and 30 people at a table at a hospitality venue is allowed.
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For corporate events, 300 people can attend, or one person per four square metres is allowed - whichever is the lesser. Mr Moffatt said he understands businesses want to make sure they are abiding by all the rules, so encouraged them to think outside the box.
"I was even just talking to one business, and we are dividing the staff up between the laneway and the shop," he said.
"Other options include breaking down staff members into departments for larger companies or reaching out to local businesses to cater an in-office Christmas party."
Mr Moffatt said if people do not want to gather in public then find another solution.
"Still go to a local restaurant and order platters and local wines to make it special for your staff, while supporting us," he added.
"Businesses want to say 'yes', so they will work with you to accommodate it.
"Support local businesses who are employing local people."
Echoing these comments was the owner of Birdhouse Bar and Kitchen, Scott Pearce, who has noticed more silly season bookings in recent weeks.
"Some people are still a bit tentative as we have seen so many changes this year, but we are trying to keep it as casual and as easy as possible," he said.
"We want to give people the confidence that we can book in and make it easy."
Mr Pearce said it was important for businesses to have a strong COVID-safe plan set up, but equally essential that customers paid attention to the rules.
"People are welcome to give us a call and just ask questions about how we can make it work," he said.
"So, book in your Christmas party and help local businesses after a particularly hard year.
"Why not finish off a tough year with some fun?"