Amid rising hospitalizations and COVID-19 cases, Gov. Abbott has elected to hold off on the next phase to reopen Texas.  Gov. Abbott has issued a new order that rolls back the opening of restaurants and bars.

The order Friday morning states effective at noon on June 26, 2020 all bars and establishments that primarily sell alcohol must close.  People shall not visit bars or similar establishments that hold a permit from TABC and are not restaurants.

Bars that also sell food can stay open to offer delivery and take out, including alcoholic beverage orders with food.

Dine-in restaurants that have less than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages, the occupancy limit will decrease from 75% to 50% effective at 12:01am on June 29, 2020.

Outdoor gatherings of 100 or more must be approved by local governments.   

Abbott said, he hopes the order will only be in effect for a limited duration.