Colleyville Plans to Defy Governor’s Order by Allowing Restaurants to Reopen Their Patios

Colleyville mayor Richard Newton has issued an amended declaration of disaster that will allow restaurants within the DFW suburb to serve diners on their patios, even though a statewide order still prohibits dining in.

The updated declaration announced that restaurants with outdoor spaces may “allow customers to consume food in the outdoor patio area, so long as physical distancing is maintained between tables. In addition to restaurants, Newton’s order reopens a number of businesses in the city, including gyms, salons, and “in-store appointments” at retail shops.

The decision stands in contrast with statewide proclamations issued by Texas governor Greg Abbott, who has announced plans to “reopen” the state, but has not yet relaxed the state’s order closing most “non-essential” businesses. According to Abbott’s most recent order, issued on April 17, restaurants are still only allowed to offer drive-thru, pickup, and delivery options for food service.

According to Fort Worth Star-Telegram reporter Bud Kennedy, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission has confirmed that restaurants who operate “in defiance” of the governor’s orders could face losing their liquor licenses.

The changes for Colleyville restaurants go into effect at 12:01 a.m. on April 24.