For 11am on a Monday, it was busier than normal at the Old Canberra Inn, as punters enjoyed a schooner or two in the morning sun.
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It was to be their last beer they could buy at the bar for some time, as new shut down measures came into effect from Monday.
As of midday on Monday, non-essential services across Canberra were ordered to close, including bars, pubs, clubs, cafes and restaurants in an effort to stop the spread of coronavirus.
It's been a bit sombre, beer's not going to be on the cards after this.
- Ryan Armstrong
Cafes and restaurants will be restricted to takeaway only under the new restrictions.
Old Canberra Inn owner Ben Johnston said the measures were necessary but hospitality businesses would have to adapt in order to survive.
"The important thing for us is to be sustainable and get some sort of delivery model going because as people go into self isolation, they will still need food," Mr Johnston said.
"A large part of our menu will be available as takeaway.
"At this stage we're working on pick-up availability because we got space available."
The pub won't be able to sell takeaway alcohol due to pre-existing legislation.
General manager Rich Cockran said while the Old Canberra Inn wasn't able to be open for long on Monday morning, there were many regulars giving the place a final send off before the closure took effect.
"It's a bad time for everyone when you have to close pubs," he said.
"Today was busier the normal and we've got a good regular base here, and it was good to see familiar faces here and give us support. Every little schooner helps."
One pub-goer said the mood on Monday morning was "like a wake".
Among the punters enjoying a final frothy were brothers Brendan and Ryan Armstrong.
"It's been a bit sombre, beer's not going to be on the cards after this," Ryan said.
"It will be a huge change for culture, because part of the culture is going out for a beer with people."
It wasn't just the Old Canberra Inn that was feeling the impact of the shut down.
Over on Lonsdale Street in Braddon, what would normally be a bustling area full of cafe customers was empty except for a few people enjoying a last coffee.
In the case of Riley Tanton, he was enjoying a last schooner outside Assembly at 11am.
"They're all about to shut and I've been trying to put the last bit of revenue in before they shut," he said.
"It's difficult, but at the end of the day it's for the benefit of public safety."
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Manager Tilda Embry said the cafe was still planning to continue doing takeaway coffee for the foreseeable future and provide a takeaway menu for its food.
"Takeaway makes up most orders to begin with. Regulars are still coming in to support us," she said.
Up the road at coffee shop Elemental, owner Julian Fresi said it would still be serving coffee out of its takeaway window.
He said people were stockpiling up on bulk orders of coffee beans in preparation for self-isolation.
"We've had to reduce staff in terms of the number of shifts, but we're not getting rid of any staff. As soon as we're back to full capacity, they will all have their position waiting for them," he said.
"There will be more implications for the staff, they'll feel the brunt of the closure first."
- For information on COVID-19, please go to the ACT Health website or federal Health Department's website.
- You can also call the Coronavirus Health Information Line on 1800 020 080
- If you have serious symptoms, such as difficulty breathing, call Triple Zero (000)
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