AUSTIN (WBAP/KLIF) – The Texas Restaurant Association reacted Friday to Governor Greg Abbott’s decision to scale back the state’s phased reopening which impacts both bars and restaurants.
The order includes the following:
- All bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today. These businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.
- Restaurants may remain open for dine-in service, but at a capacity not to exceed 50% of total listed indoor occupancy, beginning Monday, June 29, 2020.
- Rafting and tubing businesses must close.
- Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more people must be approved by local governments, with certain exceptions.
The TRA said from the beginning of the pandemic that it must allow the health data to dictate our response to the COVID-19 crisis. The group’s President, Emily Williams Knight said Friday she supports the Governor’s order.
“We’ve watched the numbers climb with great concern, and we appreciate that Governor Abbott made a difficult decision based on that data, which is not partisan,” said Knight. “We understand this order will not impact outdoor patios of restaurants, where we know many members are seeing great success. We’re also hearing very strong indicators that we will be able to sell mixed beverages to-go soon. While we know these measures will not replace a full dining room, they will certainly help many restaurants through this difficult time.”
While TRA has traditionally supported restaurants, Knight vowed to continue to work with bars to implement the Texas Bar Promise and procedures that must be followed in order to reopen and stay open. Expanding the alcohol to-go waiver is part of the Texas Restaurant Survival Plan, which Knight called “a great first step.”
She said the TRA will also need grants, eviction protection, and liability protection to help restaurants and bars through the pandemic.
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