ARANSAS COUNTY, Texas — Bar owners in Aransas County were pleased to hear that their businesses will be allowed to reopen at 50-percent capacity on October 14. Aransas County Judge C.H. "Burt" Mills authorized the reopening of bars earlier today in a news release.
Yesterday, Governor Greg Abbott issued an Executive Order which will allow bars to reopen at 50-percent capacity, per County Judges approval.
It's important to note that dance floors must remain closed and all guests must be seated while eating or drinking. You must also wear a mask when you're not seated. Tables must remain limited to six people or less at all places and follow curfew guidelines.
Judge Mills said the Rockport Police Department will be assisting in making sure the guidelines are being implemented locally.
"We are getting the opportunity to live again," bar owner Donna Townsend said.
That's not an exaggeration when your livelihood depends on bars reopening in Texas. She owns Legends and Sugar Shack. Both bars are in Aransas County and they've been shut down for several months.
Townsend said it was music to her ears when the County Judge said she could get up and running again.
"My staff and I did our research and looked into it,” Burt Mills, Aransas County Judge said. “Because of the percentages, we are allowed to go ahead and open our bars."
Townsend said the news came in the nick of time. She said between rent, insurance and other expenses it costs $10,000 to keep Sugar Shack open with no one inside.
"And I was just so depressed these last few weeks and I had to pay that rent October 1 again and I knew November 1 I would have to give my 30-day notice," Townsend said.
Come October 14, she said they'll be open for business, but not without changing a few things.
"If you have an outdoor venue you have less restrictions, I should say, and I do,” she said. “Thank God for that. So you know you have a little reprieve there so you know we are going to adjust. We are going to do what we have to do."
Aransas County Judge Burt Mills said he hopes every bar follows suit.
"We need to be extremely careful and still enjoy what we can with the way we are living today," he said.