However, restrictions on mass gatherings and the threat of major fines for lack of compliance have left most venues erring on the side of caution.

"I think most venues are thinking it's not really feasible to host any live music acts right now," Tamworth Liquor Accord chairman Ian Dundon told the Leader.

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"Under the Public Health Order, every venue's capacity is severely limited and you have to weigh up the cost of hiring a performer against the rewards.

"Unfortunately, the reality is, due to the limited capacity, it really isn't feasible for pretty much any venue to have live acts.

"As well as that, there is also the safety concern that you have to take into account and I think most venues don't believe it is feasible."

It comes after licensees from most of the city's venues gathered to discuss their options.

"At the end of the day, the decision rests with all of the individual venues, so the meeting was really just to discuss everyone's thoughts," he said.

"I know the Tamworth Hotel floated the idea of maybe hosting some small ticketed events, but I think the majority of the venues won't be holding anything.

"If there are people planning on still coming to Tamworth in the hopes there might be some shows on, my message would be don't get your hopes up."

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Wests Entertainment Group chief executive officer Rod Laing echoed the sentiments, and said Wests would not be holding any shows in January.

"There is quite a few months to go and while some people may be looking for a miracle, there's no miracle coming at this point from what I can see," he said.

"[Oxley Police Chief Inspector] Jeff Budd was at the meeting as well and he told us restrictions were unlikely to change before January.

"It is unfortunate that it can't go ahead next year, because it is usually our biggest month for the year, but I'm confident most venues will adapt."

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