THE ACT’s seven-day snap lockdown is a “worrying” time for businesses across the border, some Queanbeyan retailers say.

Karabar Takeaway operator Peter Kay said his family-run business of 15 years had already taken a huge hit since last year.

He said the ACT’s lockdown is a cruel blow to local business still recovering from reduced trade and poor business conditions.

“Business has dropped around 30 per cent, my company has been destroyed, it’s a worrying time,” said Mr Kay.

“Things have been so up and down, business is very inconsistent, but you can’t control it.”

The knock-on effects of Canberra’s lockdown was evident across the border yesterday (August 12) when “massive” lines of shoppers queued outside Woolworth in Queanbeyan, as panic buying set in.

Long-time Queanbeyan butcher Peter Lindbeck said there’s already been a run on fresh meat supplies.

“I had enough meat to last till next Wednesday and it was gone by yesterday afternoon,” Mr Lindbeck said.

“There were 30 people lined up outside my store at one stage.”

Although the last 18 months have been the “best” in his 43 years in business, Mr Lindbeck admitted it’s been a “tiring time”.