Pubs and clubs were ordered to close across Australia this week after the government declare they were non-essential services during the coronavirus pandemic.

Your local or one of your favourite watering holes are now staring down the barrel of permanently closing because they can’t get enough income.

However, the New South Wales government has relaxed licensing laws to give some places a lifeline.

Pubs are getting creative with the new rules so they can stay afloat during this crisis.

The new-look legislation allows restaurants, cafes, pubs, and bars to offer takeaway and home delivery services that revolve around booze.

Dulcie’s, in Kings Cross, owner Brandon Martignago told the Sydney Morning Herald that all deliveries would be top notch.

“All of these cocktails would come with proper garnishes, proper descriptions, they would even come with coasters from the bar,” he said.

Loads of places have started advertising on their social media pages that they’re prepared to literally deliver a cocktail to your front door if it means the doors remain open.

If you’re wondering whether your local is doing something, have a check on their socials or ring them up to see if they could start doing something similar.

Customer Service Minister Victor Dominello said: “We’ve got to think of the health of the people, but we’ve also got to think of the health of the economy and we are transitioning to a takeaway and delivery economy as we fight coronavirus.”

Some pubs have gone a little further by transforming what they sell in order to stay open.

Martin Short of W. Short Hotels has ordered two of his establishments to be stocked up with essential groceries so that they can fit under the category of a convenience store.

The Tudor Hotel in Redfern and Royal Hotel in Leichhardt now have items like fresh food, pantry staples, toilet paper (what a luxury) and hand sanitiser to give to customers, along with beer, wine and spirits.

The group said: “This is a chance for the community to support and buy local and avoid the crowds and panic at the supermarkets.

“The Initiative has been created in a bid to safely help our communities, provide a level of convenience and comfort to locals and keep people in a job during these unsettling and ever-changing times.”

Hopefully these measures will ensure some of our favourite places stay open during this time.