Bar owners devastated after Gov. Abbott announces other businesses can expand capacity
Greg Abbott would allow bars like his to reopen to some extent. Instead, the Abbott announced Thursday that bars would remain closed until there’s a way for them to reopen safely. He said he and other bar owners had seen the flattening of the curve in COVID-19 cases as an encouraging sign. “I don’t understand how you can open up Texas Stadium to 30,000 people. How can you have other large businesses open ... and then still shut down our industry for five months?” Martindale said.
San Antonio bar owners worry many bars wont survive the shutdown, believe theres a way to open safely now
SAN ANTONIO Two San Antonio bar owners estimate that nearly a third of local bars and nightclubs will never reopen, even when the restrictions in place due to the COVID-19 pandemic are lifted. Shes optimistic that her business will survive, but says she knows many other bar owners are not as fortunate. Were seeing small businesses going into a record amount of debt trying to stay open.Bars in San Antonio were forced to close when San Antonio Mayor Ron Nirenberg issued an emergency declaration on March 18. He said his 30% estimate on bar closures could be worse if bars cannot reopen for another month or two. We have submitted a plan to the governor through the Texas Restaurant Association called The Texas Bar Promise and a safety plan through the Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance.
Texas bars will Turn up the Lights Friday night in solidarity
SAN ANTONIO Some San Antonio bars will turn on their lights on Friday night but they wont be for customers. Theyre participating in an initiative by the Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance called Turn up the Lights" which encourages bar owners and employees to turn on their lights and music from 6 to 10 p.m. to show community members that theyre still there and are eager to reopen. "We just really look forward to safely serving our friends again like we have the past 10 years.Martindale and Newman spoke to Steve Spriester Thursday about a statewide plan to open bars safely. Until the crisis is over, KSAT News is stepping in to try and separate the facts from the fiction surrounding the new coronavirus. Facts can fight fear, and in times like this KSAT wants to do more, because you should expect it.