While some had offered takeaways during lockdown, it was the first time these venues had opened their doors for sit-down service since August 5.

East Cessnock Bowling Club welcomed back a steady stream of bowlers, bingo players and punters, with about 150 people having visited the club by 2pm Monday.

Secretary-manager Russell Banks said it was an exciting day for the club, which has undergone a revamp during lockdown, and has been rebranded as ECBC Sports.

Mr Banks said staff and members were thrilled to be back, and that all regular events will return, including raffles, bingo, bowls and live music.

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Two of Cessnock Hospitality Group's venues - Cessnock Leagues Club and Vincent Street Kitchen and Bar - reopened on Monday, with Paxton Bowling Club to resume trading this Thursday.

Cessnock Hospitality Group CEO Paul Cousins said Monday was a "steady day" of trade, and everyone was understanding of the new regulations.

"Everyone just saying how much they missed socialising and coming to the club," he said.

"Our customers have been very understanding of the new entry requirements and confirming their vaccination status.

"Even when customers do not have the correct vaccination evidence, they have been very understanding and are happy to go and get the correct paperwork.

"We haven't been rushed off our feet, it's just been a steady day, business-wise."

Non-critical retail, gyms and indoor recreation facilities, and personal services including hairdressers, beauty salons and tattoo parlours were also among the businesses that were permitted to reopen to fully-vaccinated customers on Monday.

All premises will operate at one person per four square metres indoors and one person per two square metres outdoors, with personal services capped at five clients at a time, and a maximum of 20 people per restaurant booking and gym class.

Drinking indoors must be seated, but drinking while standing outdoors is allowed. Dancing is only permitted outdoors (except at weddings). Weddings and funerals can now have up to 100 fully-vaccinated people in attendance (depending on the density limit).

Masks are still required for all staff and customers in all indoor settings, but only front-of-house hospitality staff must wear masks outdoors.

For fully-vaccinated people, up to 10 home visitors (not including children under 12) are allowed, while outdoor gatherings of up to 30 people are permitted. The two-person limit for people who are not fully vaccinated still applies.

The restrictions were eased after the state reached 70 per cent double-vaccinated last week.

NSW Premier Dominic Perrottet said Monday's milestone was only possible thanks to the efforts of so many people embracing the public health messages.

"The people of NSW have earned this moment setting a cracking pace in getting the jab to protect our communities and businesses who have had such a tough time these past few months," Mr Perrottet said.

"Today is just a taste of the freedoms to come with the State on track to pass the 80 per cent double vaccination mark within weeks, and if we keep on going, we'll ensure lockdowns become a thing of the past."

Further restrictions will be eased the Monday after the state reaches 80 per cent double-vaccinated (which is expected to happen by October 25), and by December 1, the same freedoms will apply to all NSW residents, regardless of vaccination status.