Ft Worth Times

A spike in COVID-19 cases has resulted in Texas Gov. Greg Abbott issuing an executive order requiring bars to shut down and restaurants to operate with a limited capacity. Business owners have voiced their concerns as some have joined a “Bar Lives Matter“ movement.

According to information released by Abbott’s office, the executive order has been issued as the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and the number of hospitalizations have increased and the rate for positive tests for the coronavirus in Texas increased by more than 10 percent.  

”The targeted, measured directives in the executive order are based on links between certain types of businesses and services and the recent rise in positive tests,” Abbott's office said in a released statemen.

The order includes the following: 1) All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51 percent of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission. 2) Restaurants can remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50 percent of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning June 29. 3) Rafting and tubing businesses must close. 4) Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.

“As I said from the start, if the positivity rate rose above 10 percent, the state of Texas would take further action to mitigate the spread of COVID-19,” Abbott noted in his statement. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars. The actions in this executive order are essential to our mission to swiftly contain this virus and enhance public health. 

"We want this to be as limited in duration as possible. However, we can only slow the spread if everyone in Texas does their part. Every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay 6 feet apart from others in public, and stay home if they can. I know that our collective action can lead to a reduction in the spread of COVID-19 because we have done it before, and we will do it again.”

The order from the governor came as a surprise to business owners, their employees and many patrons came as the phase to reopen the state following the pandemic forcing closures since March, was welcomed by those who feel that the economy is in dire straits.

Tee Allen Parker, who owns the Kilgore-based The Machine Bar & Grill, helped organize the “Bar Lives Matter” Texas movement, which has morphed into a protest at  capitol in Austin and a Facebook page gaining support for bar owners. Florida bars have also launched the same effort.

It has also resulted in legal action as more than 21 plaintiffs have joined a lawsuit stating that the governor‘s order to close bars is an abuse of the legislative process.

”It’s up to us to take a stand,” a statement on the group‘s Facebook page noted.

Ed Noyes owns Malone’s Pub in Fort Worth, and his business has been forced to comply with the governor’s executive order that took effect this week. Noyes said he was one of those surprised by the order and also shocked since the economy needs to make a comeback.

Robbie Gordon who is the general manager for Whiskey Tango said the closure after the brief reopening for bars will force many business owners to close.

"It looks like there’s a lot to write about now,” Gordon said after learning of the order. “This is going to kill the bar industry in Texas.”