Arlington closes bars, restricts restaurants in state of disaster over coronavirus
The local state of disaster declaration in Arlington was extended Wednesday night as the Arlington City Council continues to combat the spread of coronavirus.
The declaration requires all bars, theaters, nightclubs, bingo parlors, billiards parlors and other nightlife to shut down starting at 12:01 a.m. Thursday until the disaster is over. Restaurants, distilleries and breweries are restricted to take-out, drive-thru and delivery orders.
Violations of the ordinance can carry a $500 fine, but city attorney Teris Solis says she expects most violations to be met with a warning and education on the new policy.
Arlington Mayor Jeff Williams said these restrictions will place hardships on local businesses but will help prevent the spread of the virus.
After the meeting, Williams said the city is working to develop programs that would help businesses hurt the most reopen their doors when the disaster is over.
Bars have been a major breeding ground for the virus globally, Williams said. While he expects this move to be difficult for these bars, he said it’s necessary to prevent spread and protect public health.
He said the local businesses have already shown innovation and determination since the virus arrived in Texas. He referenced J Gilligan’s Bar and Grill, a local staple that created a drive-thru with a series of barricades, tents and tables Tuesday night, as an example of that ingenuity.
Councilman Ignacio Nunez said during the meeting that as a physician, council member and resident, he expects the state of disaster ordinance to change daily.
He has received emails from residents upset about the pace of the city’s response, but Nunez said he still believes Arlington is doing the best it can to keep up with the virus and county, state and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines.
One Arlington resident has died from the virus.
Pat James, a 77-year-old resident of the Texas Masonic Retirement Center, died from the virus Sunday.
The retirement facility has taken steps to prevent the spread of the virus since, Williams said at a news conference with Gov. Greg Abbott earlier Wednesday. The county and CDC are also testing every resident of the facility and advising on the next best steps.
While James lived in a duplex, he attended social events such as dinners in the cafeteria.
This story was originally published March 18, 2020 at 6:33 PM.