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Bars reopen with new health protocols

All bars must only operate at 25% capacity and use disposable menus, cups, and silverware

WACO, Texas — Governor Greg Abbott announced that bars among other establishments can open their doors Friday for phase two of his plan to reopen the state.

Brett Stewart, owner of Waco Ale Company first opened their doors in August not knowing he'd be forced to close months later.

"I definitely think that slowly reopening was a good call,” Steward said.

2 months ago today, we were forced to shut down. It was something w... e had never planned for. It was a new contingency. A new what-if. We have been counting down the days til we could once again serve our community what we know best.

In the meantime, they've been offering beer to-go but they've also been preparing in anticipation for when they'd be able to allow the community back in.

"We're just really excited to give our customers a chance to go out and socialize and gain a little bit of sense of community after this really rough time, “Stewart said. “We know everyone has gone through a really hard time."

  • All bars must only operate at 25% capacity and use disposable menus, cups, and silverware.
  • Customers must be seated at a table with no more than six people, minimize contact and follow social distancing of six feet.
  • Employees must frequently clean and disinfect regularly touched surfaces.
  • Everyone is urged to wear face masks and wash their hands.
    All employees must be screened daily for COVID-19.

Guy Boutilier the CEO at Crickets Bar and Grill in Waco said they expected to be open soon as more establishments began to reopen earlier in the month.  

"We could not wait to get back to business,” Boutilier said. “This is great news for us."

He said their staff have been preparing all week to finally reopen.

"They're excited about getting back to work and everyone's excited,” Boutilier said. “We have regular guests here all the time and we're just really excited to welcome everyone back."

In order to maintain the 25% capacity, they’ll have a wait list on their social media, so people can sign up and be contacted when space is available.

If you decide to go out, make sure you follow all the new guidelines and most importantly stay safe.

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