Fort Worth Stockyards bar shuttered for 30 days for violating Texas reopening guidelines
Fort Worth bar The New PR’s is one of 12 across Texas that have had their licenses suspended after violating Gov. Greg Abbott’s reopening guidelines to help prevent the spread of the coronavirus.
According to the suspension order, The New PR’s exceeded the 50% inside occupancy limit allowed by the state on June 20. The New PR’s, located at 2411 N. Main St. in the Fort Worth Stockyards and also known as PR’s Saloon, will have its license suspended for 30 days.
The New PR’s lawyer said in a statement that Abbott’s executive order to limit occupancy is unconstitutional and that the bar denies going over the occupancy limit. The statement also said the bar raised $7,000 last night for Fort Worth officer Matthew Brazeal, who had multiple surgeries after being struck June 13 by a sport utility vehicle during a pursuit.
The suspension is part of Operation Safe Open, a Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission effort to ensure safety protocols are followed to slow the spread of COVID-19. Protocols include indoor customer capacity limits of 50% for bars and 75% for restaurants, along with social distancing of at least 6 feet.
Operation Safe Open kicked off on Friday and has suspended 12 bar permits including The New PR’s.
The commission notified all businesses on June 15 that a failure to meet state guidelines could result in an emergency suspension.
“Protecting the health and safety of Texans during this pandemic is our top priority,” said commission executive director Bentley Nettles. “We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules, and now, some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions.”
If bars violate guidelines a second time, it will result in a a 60-day suspension.
Here are the 12 Texas bars that have had their licenses suspended:
Sunday
Handlebar Houston, Houston
BARge 25, Seabrook
Harris House of Heroes, Dallas
The New PR’s, Fort Worth
UnBARlievable (West 6th), Austin
Little Woodrow’s, Lubbock
Coconuts, El Paso
Saturday
Buford’s Backyard Beer Garden, Austin
Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot Icehouse, Austin
Friday
Werk Bar, El Paso
Marty’s Live, Dallas
Elevate Night Club, McAllen
This story was originally published June 21, 2020 at 5:42 PM.
