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Texas bars may reopen Friday at up to 25% of the total listed occupancy, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced Monday, in the latest slew of moves to gradually reopen the state amid COVID-19. Some Fort Worth bars immediately announced plans to open at 12:01 a.m. Friday.
Restaurants, under previous order by Abbott, are permitted to operate their dining rooms at up to 50% of capacity starting May 22. Here’s more information on Abbott’s executive orders to date on re-opening.
Bars: Bars are establishments with a permit from Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission that are not otherwise considered restaurants. “Any components of the establishments or facilities that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, interactive games, and video arcades, must remain closed. Interactive amusement venues, such as video arcades, amusement parks, or water parks, remain closed.”
Bowling alleys, bingo halls, simulcasting, and skating rinks: May reopen May 22 at up to 25% of their total listed occupancy. Bowling alleys must ensure at least 6 feet social distancing between operating bowling lanes; bingo halls must ensure at least 6 feet social distancing between customers playing bingo; and facilities that are simulcasting must ensure their patrons are engaging in at least 6 feet social distancing. Any components of the establishments or facilities that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, interactive games, and video arcades, must remain closed.
Rodeos and equestrian events: Indoor venues may reopen May 22 at up to 25% of the total listed occupancy of the venue, and outdoor venues may operate at up to 25% of the normal operating limits as determined by the facility owner. Six feet of separation between individuals not within the same household should be maintained to the extent feasible. To the extent the rodeo or equestrian event has spectators, the person sponsoring the event must ensure that ingress and egress from the venue allows for 6 feet of social distancing between individuals on entering and exiting the venue. Larger gatherings that include a rodeo or equestrian event, such as a county fair, are not authorized at time.
Aquariums, natural caverns, and similar facilities: May reopen May 22 at up to 25% of the total listed occupancy and must close any components of the aquarium, natural cavern, or similar facility that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, amusement and video game areas. Indoor areas of zoos, other than restrooms, must remain closed.
Zoos: May reopen May 29 at up to 25% of the normal operating limits as determined by the zoo owner and must close any components that have interactive functions or exhibits, including child play areas, amusement, and video game areas. Indoor areas of zoos, other than restrooms, must remain closed. Local public zoos may operate only if permitted by the local government.
Day youth camps: May reopen May 31
Overnight youth camps: May open May 31
Professional sports, without in-person spectators: Professional basketball, baseball, car racing, football, golf, softball, and tennis leagues may apply to the Department of State Health Services for approval to hold professional sporting events in Texas. These events may take place on or after May 31. “The professional sporting events may not have spectators physically present on the premises. Each league must submit, along with a request for approval in the manner prescribed by the Department of State Health Services, a plan that incorporates applicable minimum standard health protocols recommended by the Department of State Health Services and such additional measures as are needed to ensure a safe plan for conducting the events. The Department of State Health Services, in consultation with the Office of the Governor and any recommendations by the advisory Strike Force to Open Texas, will review the applications.”