Social Distancing Guidelines for Bars Set to Reopen Friday

SAN ANGELO, TX – Like many other businesses, bars are set to open on Friday, however they will be operating at a limited capacity of 25% and must follow social distancing measures enforced by the state.

For those planning to head to the bar when they reopen be sure to take a seat, because when bars reopen on May 22 bar owners will only be serving customers who are seated, according to the new state guidelines that were released earlier this week.

Additionally, the state has instructed bars to only provide services to seated patrons and must not allow customers to "loiter at the bar" or in any commonly trafficked areas. State guidelines state that bar stools must be removed or blocked off to deter customers from sitting or ordering from the bar itself.

No tables of more than six people at a time are allowed and any activities that allow for close or personal contact such as dancing, are highly discouraged.

Due to the social interaction that typically occurs at bars and similar establishments, it is very important that strict adherence to health protocols is enforced. A person unknowingly infected with COVID-19 may go out and possibly  pass it to any number of additional patrons inadvertently. 

 When individuals go to a bar or similar establishment, individuals should minimize in-person contact with others not in the individual’s household to their best extent. Minimizing in-person contact includes maintaining 6 feet of separation from individuals. However, when maintaining 6 feet of separation is not feasible, other preventative measures should be taken in order to prevent the spread of COVID-19, such as wearing a face covering or mask, washing or sanitizing hands frequently, and avoiding the sharing of utensils or other common objects.

Following any interaction with employees, contractors, other attendees, or any items in the bar or similar establishment it is highly advised that patrons immediately wash or sanitize your hands in order to prevent the further spread of COVID-19.

Before patrons decide to participate in any social gatherings at bars and similar establishments its highly advised that customers self-screen themselves for any of the following symptoms:

•  Cough
• Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chills
• Repeated shaking with chills
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Sore throat
• Loss of taste or smell
• Diarrhea
• Feeling feverish or a measured temperature greater than or equal to 100.0 degrees Fahrenheit

Health officials and the state suggest any individual who feels they may posses any of the above symptoms stay home, and seek medical attention as soon as possible.

For more information about the minimum standard protocols for bar patrons required by the state at bars and other establishments, click here.