Pubs have seen a massive decline in turnover since restrictions were reintroduced for regional NSW, and places like The Tamworth Hotel are now staring down the barrel of at least another fortnight of them.

As part of the package, micro-businesses with a turnover of between $30,000 and $75,000 that have experienced a 30 per cent decline in turnover since the start of the restrictions, are eligible for payments of $1500 per every fortnight of lockdown.

While businesses that pay annual wages between $1.2 million and $10 million per week and experience the decline will be eligible for payroll tax waivers.

However, pubs like The Tamworth don't fit into either of those categories, and instead will only be able to access a one-off payment of between $7500 and $15,000, which manager Bradley Smith said will have minimal impact.

"It's a drop in the ocean in the grand scheme of things across the whole year," he said.

"Our payroll is far more than that per week, if you were dead set struggling ... if you're relying on that to stay open, then it's probably too late, the horse has bolted.

"Businesses will take it I'm sure, they'll take anything they can get, any assistance, but in the whole scheme of things it's not going to help the whole P and L (profit and loss income statement)."

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Mr Smith said the thing that would be of most use is just for people to get behind local businesses and start going out again.

While he said it was understandable for people to be hesitant given the high number of COVID-19 cases being recorded in Sydney, he emphasised there were none in Tamworth and there was still plenty of opportunity for people to enjoy a drink, or meal.

"The biggest thing is that with outdoor restrictions you've still got a bit of freedom," he said.

"But I saw it on Sunday and Monday night we were absolutely crickets and you could tell people were a little bit on edge."

While he is encouraging people to get out, have a good time and make the most of only having minor restrictions as opposed to the Greater Sydney region, he did make it clear staff needed to be treated with respect.

He said arguing with, or abusing staff because they have to enforce restrictions isn't fair and he urged people to have sympathy for the situation bartenders are in at the moment.

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