In the earlier stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, Texas shut down all business except for essential businesses.

As Governor Abbott worked a plan to reopen the businesses, bars were reopened, but then they were shut back down once again.

This includes any business that received more than 51% of its profit from the sale of alcoholic beverages from huge nightclubs to small private clubs with everything in between.

More than 56,000 businesses have been forced to close their doors during the pandemic due to these regulations. Three of which are located right here in Freestone County.

Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) is making efforts to help those businesses reopen their doors while still strictly adhering to Governor Abbott’s GA-28.

One of the ways TABC is helping is by making the rules for a restaurant with a bar inside, less than 51% of sales come from alcohol, less stringent and easier for establishments to switch to.

Bars must submit an Alcohol Sales Reporting Affidavit, retailer version, and follow the (less-stringent) rules on operating as a restaurant.

Bars are eligible for Restaurant status if:

–Less than 51% of sales come from alcohol

–Have Food Service Facilities

–Offer at least two entrees that may be ordered by customers

–Offer food sales the entire time alcohol is sold

Food Service Facilities is considered to be a permanent area designated where the food is stored and/or prepared for consumption at a licensed facility.

Commercial cooking equipment is not required.

A kitchen, food truck, or another facility where you, at minimal, prepare an assortment of pre-packaged items that were purchased off location.

An Entrée is a main course of a meal. It can be two variations of the same food item; TABC uses a beef taco and a chicken taco to explain, they also specify a charcuterie board is an entrée.

Proof will be required while applying, most likely in the form of photographs of the food preparation facilities and a copy of the menu.

If using a third party, a food truck for example, you would need a copy of the vendor contract on the premises or a declaratory statement of intent to provide food services during normal operating hours.

These steps will help many bars reopen their business during this very uncertain time.

For more information contact TABC at their main email questions@tabc.texas.gov, their website https://www.tabc.state.tx.us/index.asp, or call 512-206-3333.