Lubbock Times

Gov. Greg Abbot received a letter from the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce that asks the governor to provide clarity on reopening the outdoor areas at breweries and bars in the state. 

On June 26, Abbot issued an executive order that closed all businesses that were under the 51% rule, according to the Lubbock Chamber of Commerce. This executive order forced approximately two out of three breweries and bars in Texas to close until next year. 

“We understand that bars have been high risk exposure sites and that precautions need to be taken to mitigate those risks,” Eddie McBride, Lubbock Chamber president and CEO, said. “We believe a reasonable safety measure would be to allow for consumption of brewery, distillery, or bar products outdoors on a patio or similar area. This would help these businesses survive while maintaining peoples’ employment and livelihoods.”

All businesses have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, but bars and breweries have received some of the worst affects.  

“The constant changing of regulations and new compliance orders being issued overnight make it even more difficult for bars and breweries to keep their doors open while remaining in compliance,” McBride said. "A clarification on Executive Order 28 that would allow for these businesses to serve customers outdoors would be a reasonable and safe measure to help save the jobs and livelihoods of countless Texans."