TABC Working With Texas Counties To Safely Reopen Bars Oct. 14

AUSTIN – As bars across the state prepare to reopen this week, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has launched an updated webpage with important information for local governments, business owners and communities.

TABC’s Coronavirus Information Page, tabc.texas.gov/coronavirus, now features an interactive map listing the Texas counties that have been approved to allow bars to reopen under Gov. Greg Abbott’s Executive Order GA-32. The order allows bars to reopen at 50% capacity in Texas counties that both opt in to reopen bars and meet the state requirements related to local COVID-19 hospitalization rates and case counts. County judges in eligible counties must submit a form to TABC attesting their county’s status before bars may reopen. Forms and other information relevant to reopening are available for county judges on the TABC website.

Bars in counties where county judges have met the requirements may resume operations at 50% capacity starting Oct. 14. Bars must follow all standards in Executive Order GA-32 and the Open Texas Strike Force checklists at open.texas.gov. So far, more than 80 Texas counties have met the requirements for bars to reopen.

“This day has been long awaited by many industry members across Texas,” TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said. “TABC is committed to helping bar owners and local governments put safety first during the reopening process. I urge all parties to check Governor Abbott’s website and the TABC website for the latest information and best practices as we work together to ensure a safe and successful reopening.”

As bars reopen across the state, TABC agents and local health and safety officials will be checking to ensure businesses are complying with state guidelines to reduce the COVID-19 infection risk. Since June, TABC agents have conducted more than 17,000 inspections, finding that nearly 99% of businesses were in full compliance with the law.

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