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Bell County Judge will allow local bars to reopen at 50% capacity

Posted at 5:56 PM, Oct 12, 2020
and last updated 2020-10-12 19:11:07-04

BELL COUNTY, TX — Bell County Judge David Blackburn has filed the 'opt in' request with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission to allow the re-opening of bars and similar establishments in Bell County.

Under the Governor's order, bars and similar establishments may reopen on October 14 if the County Judge files a request with the TABC to allow such.

"I wanted to hear from our local health authorities about our case counts and our Bell County hospital capacity before making a decision," Blackburn said. "After visiting with our health care providers in the area, I was re-assured that our hospital capacity is both stable and adequate at this time. I fully recognize that can change and will continue to be in close contact with our area health care providers to monitor the situation."

In addition to obtaining the approval of the County Judge, bars must follow the reopening restrictions set forth in the Governor's Order and on the Department of Health and Human Services website.

Those guidelines include social distancing requirements, operating only with patrons seated, and operating at 50% capacity.

"In accordance with the Governor's Order, I will be working closely with TABC to ensure compliance with the reopening restrictions," Blackburn said. "If I see hospital capacity issues or spikes in our numbers or non-compliance by the bars, then I may well revoke the reopening authorization and the bars will have to close again...I really don't want to see that happen," said Blackburn.