The bushfires impacting the Mid North Coast are having a flow-on effect for businesses in Port Macquarie's CBD.
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Izak Lesch is the owner of Papa Feta in Port Macquarie and Terracotta Trattoria at Wauchope.
After many years in the industry, Mr Lesch said normally November is a busy time for restaurants.
He said usually people enjoy coming to Port Macquarie before the busy Christmas holiday period kicks off.
Unfortunately, he said there has been a noticeable drop in tourist numbers, due to the fires impacting the state.
"I've talked to other restaurateurs and they all agree," he said.
Mr Lesch said a lot of people who live in Wauchope and outside Port Macquarie have avoided coming to town, as they are on alert due to the ever-changing bushfire situation.
Meanwhile staff at the The Co Cafe have also noticed a dramatic drop in customers, who are staying away due to the smoke and air quality.
Barista Sharon Phillipson said normally the November period is busy, however bushfires have meant there are less people willing to go out and spend money.
Chef Josh Parsons said the fires impacted on some staff members who couldn't make it to work. Other staff members worked longer hours to ensure the cafe could stay open.
Maddi Clifford from Blue Cow Gelato said business has slowed down a lot due to the bushfires.
"It's normally a lot busier, especially at nighttime," Maddi said.
"People are staying away because of the smoke."
Maddi also has asthma and said she now takes medication twice a day to manage it.
The business normally has its doors wide open to the public, but Maddi said they've been forced to half close the doors on days when the smoke has been really thick.
One staff member was unable to attend work, as fires threatened her home at Taree.
Port Macquarie-Hastings Council would like to quantify the impact of the bushfire emergency on local businesses.
People are asked to send feedback to David.Archer@pmhc.nsw.gov.au