THE state government's restriction on travel this Easter long weekend has failed to dampen locals' hunger for traditional fresh seafood.
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Hundreds have been stocking up in preparation for their Good Friday feasts by splashing on out favourites such as prawns, fish and scallops.
Capricorn Seafood Supplies owner Paul Hynes said the demand for fresh seafood had been high.
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"It was a bit scary to start with, because we were unsure whether to throw money at this weekend or not, on the pretenses that Scott Morrison might 'say no we're done', as far as retail," Mr Hynes told the Leader.
"But being a food provider we were hopeful we would be the last thing to close, if it came to it.
"We're here and it is looking good."
Mr Hynes said not all of the traditional Easter favourites were available this year.
"The only thing we are missing at the moment is oysters, which are usually a big thing this time of year," he said.
"We've had a lot of rain on the coast and NSW Safe Food have shut the rivers, so we haven't been able to get them.
"But everything else is still available, fresh fillets have been moving pretty quick, while fresh prawns and scallops have been pretty popular this year, because I think they are replacing the oysters."
Helping to fill the void with fresh oysters is the Pub Group, which has transformed its three venues into one-stop shops for alcohol, seafood and groceries.
The Pub Group's Craig Power said the Southgate Inn, Longyard Hotel and The Pub would all be selling fresh seafood on Thursday.
"Selling groceries and things like that via our bottleshops isn't really thinking outside the box anymore," Mr Power said.
"Us, like most other pubs in town, are just focused on trying to get through this pandemic the best we can, and selling more things through our drive-through service is the way to do that.
"We were able to secure some fresh prawns and oysters through our suppliers and we figured we would get into the spirit of Easter and sell them while we have them."
"The sales of groceries and that kind of stuff has been really solid and we're really grateful for the community's support."
A popular vendor in Tamworth, Mr Hynes said his company would continue to trade until "we're told otherwise".
"We will just have to wait and see what COVID-19 brings for the rest of the year I suppose," he said.