Although the sale of alcohol has continued from almost the beginning of the Coronavirus Pandemic, bars still cannot reopen in the State of Texas, and some consider the ruling to be a hardship.
“People go there to connect with other people, relax, and relieve stress,” says Freestone County bar owner Cindy Thompson explains.
Rockin’ Kountry Club, located just outside of Fairfield, Texas is one of about 3 bars in Freestone County not allowed to open. Thompson explains what this means for her small business.
First, Thompson points out that their employees are struggling due to no pay and having trouble feeding their families and paying their bills.
Bartenders make money from tips, not their wages, which can make claiming unemployment very difficult.
She further explains the business itself is suffering because it cannot generate any money while remaining closed.
While bars and other businesses serving alcohol, such as restaurants, are allowed to sell alcoholic drinks to-go, private clubs are not currently given that option for revenue in Texas.
Private Clubs are the only type of bar in Freestone County, as it is a dry county.
By definition a bar can be anything from a small and privately owned location, all the way to major nightclub. Meaning that a ruling about a large nightclub, is expected to apply to a tiny private club.
Rockin’ Kountry operates as a private club, “Private clubs are different because we have members, and only members are allowed to come in,” explains Thompson.
She fully believes that private clubs could safely open with limited occupancy and explains, “If people want to come in they can, if they are worried about COVID-19 they don’t have to come in.”
One point she makes is, “We are adults and know how to regulate how many can come in. We also know how to space people out. If all other businesses are allowed to be open when the amount is far greater than any bar could hold, it’s not fair to others.”
