Bars, Restaurants Warned to Follow Governor's Order or Face License Suspension

AUSTIN – The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission is warning all bar and restaurant operators that they must follow the state's protocols to help ensure health and safety as Texas reopens or face license suspensions. These requirements include indoor customer capacity limits of 50% for bars and 75% for restaurants, along with social distancing of at least 6 feet between groups of customers.

TABC is strictly monitoring bar and restaurant activity and will pursue emergency liquor license suspensions if there are violations that are a threat to public health and safety. TABC has the authority to suspend any license that poses a continuing threat to the public welfare. The first infraction will result in up to a 30-day license suspension, and the second infraction will result in up to a 60-day suspension.

"It is essential that bars and restaurants follow the public safety checklist developed by the Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas," TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said. "There is nothing more important than the health and safety of Texans as we reopen, and there are consequences for businesses that do not follow the rules. TABC is working with local municipalities across the state to enforce the executive orders."

Over the last month, agents have inspected nearly 3,000 locations across the state. They've found that most operators are acting responsibly and following the rules. However, businesses that jeopardize Texans' health and welfare will be shut down through license suspension or other regulatory measures.

The Governor's Strike Force to Open Texas has developed specific guidelines bars and restaurants must follow to safely restart their businesses. TABC is the state agency that regulates the alcoholic beverage industry in Texas and will be on site inspecting licensees to make sure the guidelines are followed.

To see the guidelines and learn more about the governor's efforts to reopen Texas, visit gov.texas.gov/organization/opentexas. Find TABC's resources for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic at tabc.texas.gov/coronavirus.

Media Contact: 

Bryan Black 

Director of Communications and External Relations

(512) 206-3361