TABC Cracks Down on Crowded Bars in Undercover COVID-19 Op

AUSTIN , TX – Agents with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission shut down two Austin bars Saturday afternoon during an undercover operation to enforce Gov. Greg Abbott’s COVID-19 business restrictions across the state.

The agency reported the two businesses identified as "Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden" and "Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot Icehouse" were ignoring requirements given by the state where 30-day permit suspensions were issued for both bars.

Operation "Stay Safe", which has been active for two nights, resulted in three suspensions on Friday from bars in El Paso, Dallas, and McAllen.

No bars in the Houston area have been suspended at this time.

A rise in stricter enforcement comes as coronavirus cases, deaths and hospitalization rates in Texas continue to rise, as the state averaged 3,027 new cases per day over the last week, up from the 1,777 recorded from the previous week.

Hospitalizations in the Houston area have more than doubled since Memorial Day.

As of late May,  the TABC hadn’t suspended any liquor licenses for failing to adhere to the governor’s order as restrictions set occupancy limits of 50 percent for bars and 75 percent for restaurants.

TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said, “Protecting the health and safety of Texans during this pandemic is our top priority, We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules, and now, some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”

The governor’s orders are enforced by TABC and local authorities.

On Wednesday, Houston Fire Chief Sam Peña stated that his units have been responding to countless violation complaints every day, though they are prioritizing voluntary compliance and haven’t issued a violation in weeks.

Meanwhile on Friday, Harris County Judge Lina Hidalgo issued an order requiring businesses to mandate that all customers must wear masks while inside local establishments.