Alcohol Permits for Eight Businesses Suspended Following Operation To Protect Texans

AUSTIN — A statewide sweep of more than 1,700 bars and restaurants by agents from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission resulted in 30-day suspensions for eight businesses found in violation of the state’s COVID-19 protocols.

TABC agents continue to take part in Operation Safe Open, inspecting businesses to ensure they’re following state standards to slow the spread of the coronavirus. 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. In Texas counties with high hospitalization rates, the standards are even more stringent.

Agents conducted 1,715 inspections over the last week, including 427 in the city of El Paso, where additional agents were deployed last week to assist with compliance operations. In addition to the eight suspensions, 43 other businesses received warnings. El Paso is in a Trauma Service Area where high hospitalization rates have been reported. Bars in the city are not allowed to open, and restaurants can only have 50% capacity.

“These violations represent a very small number of the more than 20,000 licensed businesses inspected by TABC since the beginning of May,” TABC Chairman Kevin J. Lilly said. “A large majority of business owners are showing their commitment to keeping customers and employees safe, and we’re grateful for all of their hard work. TABC is committed to assisting the industry as we all work for a safe Texas.”

“Protecting the health and safety of Texans during this pandemic is our top priority,” TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said. “I’m incredibly proud of all the TABC employees working to ensure Texas bars and restaurants are able to operate safely. Our goal from the start has been to educate business owners about the requirements of the governor’s executive orders, and our Enforcement, Legal and Communications teams have done outstanding work to keep the industry and the public informed on how to stay safe while helping to reopen the Texas economy.”

The businesses issued an emergency order for a 30-day permit suspension are:

El Paso
Rockstar Burger Bar – 217 N. Stanton St.
Whiskey Tango Foxtrot – 3737 N. Mesa St.

Amarillo
Bodega’s – 709 S. Polk St.

Lubbock
Kong’s – 1707 Texas Ave.

Dallas
CJ’s Billiard – 4848 Military Parkway
IdleRye (doing business as Bitter End/Wok Hard Deep Ellum) – 2826 Elm St.
El Globo Taqueria Restaurant – 212 S. Llewellyn Ave.

College Station
The Corner – 401 University Drive

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

Find TABC’s resources for businesses affected by the coronavirus pandemic and view a map of counties where bars can reopen at tabc.texas.gov/coronavirus.

Media Contact:
Chris Porter
Public Information Officer
media@tabc.texas.gov