County, city to reopen businesses as state enters Phase II

Stephens County and Breckenridge will move into Phase II of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Open Texas plan to reopen businesses across the state.

“Businesses that will be able to reopen immediately include child care facilities, massage parlors and youth clubs,” Gov. Abbott said, during a press conference on Monday, May 18. “On Friday, May 22, several other businesses will be able to open at 25% capacity, including bars, bowling alleys, bingo halls and aquariums. On Friday, May 29, restaurants will be able to increase to 50% occupancy.

Stephens County Judge Michael Roach spoke with a representative from TABC about reopening bars within the county.

“Those bars with greater than 50% of their revenue coming from alcohol had to remain closed, but that changed on Friday, May 22,” Stephens County Judge Michael Roach said.

For bars, Texas has established the following guidelines to be followed:
• People should remain seated at tables when inside a restaurant/bar.
• Customers can have tables of no more than six people.
• Dancing is “discouraged.”
• Hand sanitizer stations should be at the entrance.
• There should be six feet of distance between individuals.

“These rules will be enforced by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission,” Gov. Abbott said. “If local officials receive complaints about bars in compliance, the TABC will investigate. The Commission has the power to suspend a bar’s liquor license for 30 days on the first offense and 60 days for the second.”

On May 31, youth sports can resume in Texas, but must follow social distancing rules. Practices can begin on Sunday, May 31 and games cannot be held before Monday, June 15.

Stephens County applied and were allowed to begin Phase II to reopen certain businesses with 50% occupancy in an effort to restart the Texas economy.

Strict social distancing guidelines and cleanliness should still be followed as the county and city reopen.