It was the news that calmed the nerves of small bar owners across NSW, as they teetered on the precipice of financial ruin caused by the coronavirus shutdown.

The state government had on Tuesday ordered an immediate relaxation of alcohol licensing restrictions, allowing bars, restaurants and cafes to pivot to a takeaway and delivery service model.

But not everyone got the message, including it seems some NSW Police officers.

The Rio, a small bar in Summer Hill, was shut down just hours into their first evening of trade as they attempted to roll out a new menu of door-to-door delivered cocktails.