AUSTIN, Texas — A bar at The Domain in Austin has temporarily lost its alcohol permit for failing to close on Friday, as ordered by Gov. Greg Abbott.
An executive order issued by Abbott on Friday requires all bars earning at least 51% of their revenue from alcohol sales to suspend operations. Restaurants earning less than 51% of revenue from alcohol sales may continue to operate at 50% capacity.
Businesses that don't comply with the order face an up to 30-day suspension of their alcohol permits for the first violation, and an up to 60-day suspension for the second.
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The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) said Monday that agents visited nearly 1,500 businesses across the state between Friday, June 26, and Sunday, June 28. Of those, 59 were found to be operating in violation of the governor's order, with 52 agreeing to immediately close after the TABC's visit.
The remaining seven businesses, including The Park at the Domain in Austin, did not agree to close and were issued 30-day permit suspensions. The other six businesses were:
- Black Stone, USA in Fredericksburg
- Bokeeters Cocktail Bar in New Caney
- Prospect Park in Houston
- The Venue Private Club in Wills Point
- Whiskey Girl in Abilene
- Outlaws Longview in Longview
"We know this is an extremely difficult time for our state's bar owners, and we sympathize with all of the owners, operators and employees who are hurting during this pandemic," TABC executive director Bentley Nettles said. "It's the duty of all Texans to do what's necessary to prevent the spread of this disease. Taking these steps now will help ensure a quicker reopening once this pandemic has passed."
These latest suspensions come after four Austin bars had their permits suspended earlier this month for violating social distancing rules, prior to the governor's latest order.
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