CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — TABC approved the request for bars to re-open in Nueces County Thursday, TABC officials confirmed to 3News. This allows local bars to open at 50% capacity as long as they are able to comply with the standard health protocols issued by the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS).
Wednesday, Nueces County Judge Barbara Canales requested that bars be allowed to opt into Governor Greg Abbot's order. The approval goes into effect today, Oct. 15.
Bars that choose to open are not required to get pre-approval prior to opening but must meet all of the specified requirements at the time of opening. Bar owners are encouraged to contact TABC and their local bar and restaurant association for additional guidance and suggestions on how best to implement the changes needed to operate safely.
"Education is far preferable to enforcement, and we are committed to working with bar owners who are working to adhere to the protocols," TABC officials said in a press release. "However, the Governor’s order allows businesses to be fined, and the operating guides allow TABC to suspend a business’s license for 30 days for a first offense, and for up to 60 days for a second offense."
Last week, Judge Canales said she will be reviewing the order and meeting with officials from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, the mayors of the cities in the county, and the sheriff to ensure that the protocols required by the order can be followed.
"I am confident that I can attest that I can assist in enforcing the standard health protocols at our bars and have requested that Nueces County be allowed to “opt in” to the Governor’s order," stated Judge Canales on Wednesday.
In order for a bar to follow all protocols, dance floors must remain closed and all guests must be seated while eating or drinking. They must also wear masks when they are not seated, and tables will remain limited to six people or less at all places and follow curfew guidelines.
"My goal is that those bar owners who choose to re-open can open their businesses with confidence and patrons going to any open bar in Nueces County knows that the state health protocols have been met and they can go to that bar safely," stated Judge Canales.