FORT WORTH (WBAP/KLIF) – Bars in Texas remain closed as the state experiences a surge in COVID-19 cases and hospitalizations, but dozens of bar owners plan to defy Governor Abbbott’s mandate this weekend.
Bars in Texas were closed then reopened under the state’s phased reopening plan. Weeks later, with a spike in cases and the COVID-19 positivity rate in Texas, Governor Abbott ordered all bars to close indefinitely.
Per the statewide mandate, if more than 50% of a businesses receipts come from alcohol, they’re ordered to be closed. But businesses that make more money off food than alcoholic drinks can stay open. It’s a policy some bar owners contend isn’t fair.
Chris Polone owns The Rail Club LIVE in Fort Worth and will be one of many bar owners hosting concerts this Saturday during what’s being called Freedom Fest.
“We got well over 100 bars participating in that statewide,” Polone said. “We’re all going to open up in solidarity.
Bars that do open risk their liquor licenses being suspended. Polone’s license was already suspended for thirty days for operating in defiance of the order.
Listen to Clayton Neville’s story below:
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