Texas Governor Allows Bars to Reopen with County Approal

Governor Abbott issued Executive Order No. GA-32 to reopen bars and similar establishments at up to 50% indoor capacity with no outdoor limits subject to the approval of county officials beginning October 14th.In regions with low COVID-19 hospitalizations, county judges have authority to decide to opt-in to reopening beginning October 14th. Distillery, winery, and brewery tasting rooms may also reopen in counties that opt-in. If authorized, certain protocols must be followed. For example, bars must stop serving alcoholic beverages at 11 PM each day, and patrons must be seated when consuming alcohol with limited exceptions for sampling products in a distillery, winery, or brewery.In other regions, the county judge may approve operation of bars and similar establishments provided the county has filed with the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS) and is in compliance with the requisite attestation form promulgated by DSHS.The Governor's Order also increases the occupancy levels for all business establishments other than bars to 75%.