With normal celebrations like fireworks cancelled, the force is keen to prevent impromptu celebrations getting out of hand. About 50 officers will be in the centre of Canberra, patrolling the bars.

ACT Policing says its "Territory Targeting Team will be conducting both alcohol and COVID compliance checks on licensed venues all across the ACT".

The ACT government was monitoring the situation in Sydney and rules could be changed as the week progressed towards Thursday's big night.

Some bars and restaurants have opted to close on New Year's Eve. Others are staying open but drafting in extra security.

The police won't be far away. "Party safely, drink responsibly, stay in control of your behaviour and look out for your mates, otherwise you might end up in the watchhouse and miss out on the celebrations," the officer in charge of City police station, Detective Inspector Adrian Craft, said.

"We want all Canberrans to enjoy themselves, remaining compliant with COVID-19 requirements."

Bars and restaurants have been told to limit the amount of time a customer can stay to two hours, according to Pete Jenkins, the general manager of Hopscotch, Bootleg, Dolly's and Young & Frisky.

"It's not providing a happy hospitality situation," he said.

Customers must also remain seated so they don't mingle with people from other groups.

But Mr Jenkins was looking on the bright side. "It's great that we can open our doors. We do appreciate people adhering to the regulations," he said.

Some diners have balked at the two hour maximum stay, according to Chase Stramarcos, manager of Akiba.

"People want to go out for a long dinner," he said.

"But if they don't leave, they are sitting illegally."

He's decided not to increase the number of diners even though the legal limit has risen recently. He thinks people are now wary about sitting near others - and he thinks that will be a permanent change.

Night-spots will have far fewer customers than on a normal New Year's Eve. Hopscotch, for example, is allowed 80 people inside and out compared with 300 usually.

Some venues will close on New Year's Eve.

King O'Malleys on City Walk will be shut on the evening but open on New Year's Day.

Owner Peter Barclay said there was a shortage of staff because of the lack of students and because some staff had gone to Sydney and stayed there because of the northern beaches clampdown.

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"A lot of our staff have family interstate," he said.

"Going back and forth to Sydney with the current restrictions was just "too hard", he said.

Three evenings of music are planned on streets across the ACT.

They are Anketell Street, Tuggeranong; Bradley Street, Woden; Hibberson Street, Gungahlin; Lathlain Street, Belconnen; Lonsdale Street, Braddon, and Northbourne Avenue.