Cobram's Double Shot Cafe owner Tanya Romancewicz was pleased to be able to seat her customers.
“You have to think of the broader community and the consequences should anything happen, so I'm happy to go along with the state requirements,” she said.
“I'm just happy we can do more than take-away and I think everyone is happy they can get out and about and enjoy the beautiful weather.”
Cobram Bakery and Cafe owner Kiara Atkinson has increased hours for her staff.
“We have a bigger building so I think we should be allowed more people, It's hard to tell people not to grab a chair but what can you do when it's one rule for all,” she said.
Cobram Hotel owner Adam Rudd said his doors remain shut.
“I was so excited when I heard the news that restrictions were lifting but then I was so deflated when I saw the numbers,” he said.
“It's all right for cafes that seat 10 to 20 people, but for a venue that hold 750 people, it's not viable.
“No one can really make any money out of 10 people.
“Until it follows density quotas we will focus our efforts on take-away meals.
“The community have been really supportive and I'm sure they will continue to be.”
Although seating patrons was not an option, Mr Rudd was hopeful Cobram had experienced its final lockdown.
“Once we can get up to a reasonable number it should be really positive, I don't see why we can't have a great Christmas period.”
Victorian Member for Ovens Valley Tim McCurdy has called for greater patron numbers to be allowed in hospitality venues.
“I have been inundated by local pubs, restaurants and wineries who say they simply cannot afford to open up under these rules,” he said.
“The Victorian Government has again over promised and under delivered for Ovens Valley business.”
He said regional Victorian hospitality venues could not afford to run at another loss.
“The patron cap is not viable when considering the costs of operating with such low customer numbers.”
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