On Monday, the state government reintroduced tougher restrictions for NSW pubs, including a reduction in group bookings from 20 to 10 and a cap of 300 patrons in larger venues.

The announcement also made it compulsory for all pubs to download and register a COVID-safe plan with Service NSW and designate a COVID-safe hygiene marshall to oversee social distancing and cleaning compliance.

READ ALSO: COVID-19, coronavirus: Bathurst RSL bans visitors from virus hot spots

Bathurst hotelier Ash Lyons, who owns The Oxford Hotel, said the venue has enforced the COVID-safe recommendations since reopening to the public, and has made use of the entire venue to accommodate spacing.

"I've seen a lot of venues across the state getting it wrong by shutting down half their space and squeeze tables and chairs into the other half," Mr Lyons said.

"That's not what it's about, it's about making use of the entire space so you can properly manage social distancing."

READ ALSO: Coronavirus, COVID-19: 2000 tests in Bathurst in just four weeks

The venue's nightclub has recently been transformed into a sports bar, and Mr Lyons said last Sunday's UFC event was a perfect example of social distancing at work in a larger venue.

"Everyone was seated, maintaining their distance and following the rules, so there's proof it can work when larger events are on," he said.

"With that said, Bathurst venues don't have the same complications as Sydney with millions of people on their doorsteps, which makes it easier for us to stay safe."

However, Mr Lyons said it's vital publicans maintain a cautious approach to public health orders to lessen the risk of outbreak.

"Everyone's responsible for maintaining hygiene and social distancing, and that responsibility isn't limited to pubs," he said.

The George Hotel owner and licensee Matt Harrowsmith said his venue has also maintained strict COVID-safe practices since reopening, and is already in the process of scaling back larger events and bookings.

READ ALSO: COVID-19: COVIDSafe app praised by PM, Western NSW residents urged to download

"We've had to cancel our July 28 PUBlic Choir event for in-house guests [the event will be streamed live on Facebook], and are encouraging patrons to scale back existing bookings to 10 people per table," Mr Harrowsmith said.

Mr Harrowsmith said venue staff have recently participated in COVID-safe training, and will enhance sign-in measures through the addition of QR codes.

"Most of our patrons are doing the right thing, but we can't be too careful," he said.

"We need to remain vigilant, there's no way we can afford to endure another lockdown period."