Governor Abbott Orders Bars To Close, Other Restrictions

Texas Gov. Abbott closed bars, rafting, and tubing businesses starting at noon, Friday (Jun 26).

Governor Greg Abbott issued an executive order Friday morning that requires bars to shut down, restaurants to limit capacity to 50 percent, and certain outdoor activities be prohibited or require government approval. All bars that make more than 51% of their gross receipts on alcohol sales must close at noon today (Friday 06.26). They may, however, sell alcoholic beverages to-go. Restaurants will also be required to limit capacity to 50% beginning Monday, June 29. That is a drop from the 75% capacity that was previously in effect. Local governments must approve any outdoor gatherings with 100 or more people. Rafting and tubing businesses must close.

Governor Abbott issued the order as the Coronavirus testing positivity rate rose above 10%.

Abbott said every Texan has a responsibility to themselves and their loved ones to wear a mask, wash their hands, stay six feet apart from others in public, and stay home.