Eater Dallas - Tracking Coronavirus’s Impact on Dallas’s Restaurant IndustryThe Dallas Restaurant, Bar, and Nightlife Bloghttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/52682/favicon-32x32.png2022-07-15T10:57:26-05:00http://dallas.eater.com/rss/stream/209459442022-07-15T10:57:26-05:002022-07-15T10:57:26-05:00CDC Puts Dallas, Collin, and Tarrant County COVID Risk Levels at Red. What Does It Mean for Restaurants?
<figure>
<img alt="A bartender pours a glass of whiskey while wearing a mask in a restaurant." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/OlueWN7hJ7_MQyP_JvDc9kiBkkc=/197x0:2864x2000/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/71121931/1229928648.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Pour a drink and consider masking up, DFW. | Getty Images</figcaption>
</figure>
<p>The news comes as variants BA.4 and BA.5 spread and hospitalizations increase</p> <p id="7FUgnK">On Thursday, July 14, the <a href="https://covid.cdc.gov/covid-data-tracker/#county-view?list_select_state=Texas&data-type=CommunityLevels&list_select_county=48113&null=CommunityLevels">CDC announced</a> it was setting the COVID-19 risk levels for Dallas, Collin, and Tarrant counties back to red, while Denton County remains at yellow. The organization’s determination is based on total new COVID cases and hospitalizations per 100,000 people, as well as the percent of in-patient beds occupied by COVID patients. </p>
<p id="Hci7J2">So what does this mean for eating in restaurants? First and foremost, the red risk level comes with an advisory that everyone should be wearing a mask in public again. </p>
<p id="nWBwqJ">While Tarrant County was already in the highest risk alert and <a href="https://www.star-telegram.com/news/local/article263495203.html">recommended its citizens return to masking</a> last week, Dallas County only raised its risk level from green to yellow recently. County health officials have not recommended mirroring the CDC yet. Yellow level only recommends masking for those who are immunocompromised. </p>
<p id="zl6R8m">“Transmission is definitely increasing a lot, hospital numbers are going up, and people should be more cautious,” Dr. Philip Huang, the county’s top public health official told the <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/news/2022/07/14/cdc-raises-dallas-county-covid-19-level-to-red/"><em>Dallas Morning News</em></a>. “I wouldn’t say it’s an inconsistent message. I think they’ve got a different scoring system.” </p>
<p id="P1GLZx">Yeah, clearly they do — Dallas County’s trigger system is based on additional metrics and hasn’t even promoted a notch up to orange, let alone red, from the county health system. But that could change when they meet again next week, on Tuesday. “This doesn’t mean that the public shouldn’t pay heed to the recommendations of the CDC,” county judge Clay Jenkins said in a statement to the <em>DMN</em>.</p>
<p id="35eAIX">BA.5 is a sister variant of omicron and is considered the most contagious variant yet, because it is more adept at avoiding immune protections of both prior infection and vaccination; as a result, many people are getting reinfected with COVID, <a href="https://www.reuters.com/business/healthcare-pharmaceuticals/what-is-ba5-variant-why-does-it-seem-be-reinfecting-so-many-people-with-covid-19-2022-07-13/">Reuters reports</a>. However, the infections seem less severe than earlier variants and hospitalizations are not quite as high. The <em>Dallas Morning News</em> reports that Dallas County had some 725 hospitalizations as of Wednesday, July 13, which is down significantly from the peak of 4,000 reached during the omicron wave in January 2021.</p>
<p id="x61vNN">The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that new variants are creating an ongoing pandemic thanks to <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2021/09/1100192">vaccine inequality globally</a> and the <a href="https://news.un.org/en/story/2022/03/1113632">push to move past COVID</a>. </p>
<p id="FJ92RM">Does this mean restaurants are likely to close down again? In Tarrant County, no. Despite public health officials raising the risk level to red, county officials have made no move to reinstate any mandates or closings. In Dallas County, it’s too soon to say. Collin County officials have not issued at statement or guidance in light of the CDC findings.</p>
<p id="1TOhFU">It would be tough to close anything down again in the face of this wave of COVID. In this heat wave, sitting outside on a well-ventilated patio to eat doesn’t sound like a great time. Many restaurants still offer COVID-safe pickup and delivery protocols, for those who are concerned about increasing infection rates. Just order from the restaurant directly whenever possible, because <a href="https://www.eater.com/2020/5/1/21243966/giuseppe-badalamenti-chicago-pizza-boss-shares-grubhub-earning-statement-on-facebook">third party apps</a>, including DoorDash and Uber Eats, take a percentage of the order fee. It would probably be wise to make reservations in advance and ask restaurants about social distancing if you feel that you need it. Finally, remain cognizant that frontline workers, including restaurant and delivery staff, do not have a choice about interacting with the public. They are offering a service, and politely respecting the boundaries any establishment creates around masking, social distancing, or availability of seating is the appropriate reaction. </p>
<p id="ZONFjV">In risk level red, the CDC recommends masking indoors for everyone, staying up to date with vaccines and boosters, getting tested at the first sign of any COVID symptoms, and increasing indoor ventilation with fans and open windows.</p>
<aside id="ml1MFj"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"dallas-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://dallas.eater.com/2022/7/15/23219993/dallas-covid-threat-red-ba4-ba5-variant-waveCourtney E. Smith2020-12-17T11:07:01-06:002020-12-17T11:07:01-06:00These Dallas Restaurants Have Permanently Closed During the Coronavirus Pandemic
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<img alt="Highland Park Cafeteria" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/6r4iB8i24-b5PsNoUpGNW0zNLv4=/112x0:1889x1333/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/66816718/HPC-6573.0.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>So long, Highland Park Cafeteria | Eater</figcaption>
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<p>A running list of establishments that have called it quits since restaurants were required to close their dining rooms </p> <p id="fONGUq">Since mid-March, when restaurant dining rooms across the city were required to close in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus, the industry has been struggling. While waiting for assistance from the federal government and a return to the new normal, some beloved establishments just weren’t able to make it through. </p>
<p id="75UZfU">Eater Dallas is keeping track of the restaurant closures across the city during the coronavirus pandemic, and will update this list as more shutters happen. </p>
<ul>
<li id="xsZ82B">
<strong>Mille Lire</strong> — The Oak Lawn Italian restaurant <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/7/14/21324315/guy-fieri-american-grill-winstar-closed-one-week-after-opening-covid-19">closed in July</a>.</li>
<li id="DIHeo0">
<strong>Savor</strong> — The restaurant overlooking Klyde Warren Park <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/8/19/21375908/savor-klyde-warren-park-permanently-closed-stocks-bondy-open-east-dallas">closed for good in August</a>. </li>
<li id="df2LXf">
<strong>Mubrooka</strong> — The <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/8/12/21364439/dallas-egyptian-restaurant-mubrooka-closed">much-lauded Egyptian restaurant called it quits in late August</a>. </li>
<li id="iEnz3S">
<strong>Christie’s</strong> — The popular McKinney Avenue sports bar <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/7/22/21334433/crave-hot-dogs-bbq-opening-dallas-kamp-fire-take-bake-pop-up-christies-sports-bar-closed">has closed for good after 30 years</a>.</li>
<li id="9RCBPi">
<strong>Peggy Sue BBQ</strong> — 30 years after its Park Cities debut, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2019/11/5/20949662/dallas-restaurants-closed-2020">Peggy Sue BBQ shuttered for good in August</a>. </li>
<li id="gjZL60">
<strong>The Hall Bar and Grill </strong>— Closed in late July. </li>
<li id="VCCO9G">
<strong>Gas Monkey Live</strong> — The bar and music venue closed in March and has since <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/27/21271892/start-healthy-fast-food-closed-gas-monkey-live-closed">been folded into its sister restaurant</a> Gas Monkey Bar N’ Grill.</li>
<li id="Es7pSY">
<strong>Penne Pomodoro</strong> — This lowkey Lakewood Italian spot has <a href="https://www.dallasobserver.com/restaurants/restaurants-close-open-covid-pandemic-11924874">closed after 11 years</a>, according to the Dallas Observer.</li>
<li id="VFaOer">
<strong>Neighborhood Services </strong>— The Preston Royal location has closed, according to CultureMap. The chain’s two other locations, in Addison, and on Lovers Lane in Dallas, have reopened.</li>
<li id="pDmeV9">
<strong>Deep Ellum Brewing’s FunkyTown Fermatorium</strong> — The Fort Worth outpost of this popular microbrewery <a href="https://www.papercitymag.com/restaurants/dallas-fort-worth-restaurant-closings-mille-lire/">closed in June</a>, according to Paper City.</li>
<li id="bKQoMJ">
<strong>Soho Food and Jazz</strong> — This popular night spot and music venue in Addison <a href="https://www.facebook.com/sohofoodandjazz/posts/3272740139405792?__xts__[0]=68.ARCycxwm3wbi9pr5TuB9-z3Lxuyhr5jFpraDtz9FMHjWolI7LMPHKv9DfMqtdi2FiVnh9-V9RDzvcCULLGYl96NcsakkVZ0lFV_efYKNpXTZu8fKj1EdMXfaqKZPzkL7JvAUmn69Y9IiVesXhKtjA-ZmJyovN4ILm8JFB7Jec3xfup0ilCG5o1f-O0DQlj9A2HgAnLz_LMLivVOI5dXpqf-A48CD1YT0tBXvrJQUZjQblyH69Jg6i2feuR21115s4OTmsfz1dHLJpl-3LOXSMnFU3t-c3Z9zOhphd5NEMgkRcXLvb5C6jNgHM_YuOy4LAe7gBfz5IEO9l3CeCyzO3Q&__tn__=-R">closed in Ma</a>y when its owners decided to retire instead of reopening.</li>
<li id="KIlJw9">
<strong>Look Cinemas and Ivy Kitchen</strong> — The movie theater and its sister restaurant on Belt Line Road have <a href="https://www.lookcinemas.com/look">closed permanently</a>, according to an announcement on its website.</li>
<li id="jTAZu6">
<strong>Twigs American Kitchen</strong> — The location at the Shops at Clearfork in Fort Worth has closed, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Twigs.AmericanKitchen.fortworth/posts/583076252340734">according to a Facebook post</a>. The location at Grandscape at The Colony remains open.</li>
<li id="qzYUmJ">
<strong>Laurel Tavern</strong> — The Lower Greenville gastropub <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2020/05/19/lower-greenville-hit-hard-by-more-restaurant-and-bar-closures-including-eastside-social/">closed in May</a>.</li>
<li id="itHoqR">
<strong>The Foundry</strong> — This West Dallas bar and outdoor music venue <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2020/05/19/lower-greenville-hit-hard-by-more-restaurant-and-bar-closures-including-eastside-social/">closed in May</a>, according to the DMN.</li>
<li id="n9qrIM">
<strong>Five Sixty</strong> — <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/1/21244097/wolfgang-puck-five-sixty-downtown-dallas-closed-permanently">Wolfgang Puck’s iconic Dallas restaurant in the ball atop Reunion Tower closed its doors when the shutdown began in March, and it won’t reopen</a>. Opened in 2009, the restaurant boasted 360-degree views of the Dallas skyline, and was a special occasions staple. </li>
<li id="9vUxHw">
<strong>Sushi Bayashi </strong>— This <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/13/21257571/sushi-bayashi-trinity-groves-closed-tri-tip-grill-richardson-opening">Trinity Groves sushi spot bowed out during the shutdown</a>, and will be replaced with a different, as-yet-unnamed Japanese restaurant in the coming months. </li>
<li id="tpOxBD">
<strong>Highland Park Cafeteria</strong> — After 95 years of slinging comfort food, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/12/21255876/highland-park-cafeteria-closed-permanently">Highland Park Cafeteria announced in mid-May that it would close for good</a>. “We would love to have a farewell event to honor you and our faithful employees, but due to the current restrictions, we won’t be able to,” the restaurant said in a statement. “HPC is not tables and chairs and stoves, it is generations of cooks faithfully preparing special recipes and lovingly serving generations of diners.”</li>
<li id="tZQ7xN">
<strong>Pink Magnolia </strong>— Chef Blythe Beck’s restaurant quietly closed in Summer 2020. </li>
<li id="7jb0Ur">
<strong>British Beverage Company</strong> — Closed in April. </li>
<li id="7E70x9">
<strong>Don Arturo’s Cocina and Cantina</strong> — Closed in March.</li>
<li id="7ZArgZ">
<strong>Mercy Wine Bar</strong> — <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/27/21272158/mercy-wine-bar-addison-permanently-closed">Permanently closed</a>; Mercy Bar and Lounge in Irving will remain open. </li>
<li id="dLuOHa">
<strong>Start</strong> — <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/27/21271892/start-healthy-fast-food-closed-gas-monkey-live-closed">All locations of the healthy fast food chain have shuttered</a>. </li>
<li id="w6NRbj">
<strong>Dakota’s Steakhouse</strong> — <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/21/21258959/dakotas-steakhouse-dallas-permanently-closed-post-malone-wine">Permanently closed after 36 years in Downtown Dallas</a>. </li>
<li id="ffDIRY">
<strong>Chicken Scratch</strong> — Just weeks after Beto O’Rourke endorsed Democratic presidential candidate Joe Biden at this West Dallas spot, CultureMap reports that <a href="https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/05-19-20-da-mario-hopdoddy-boi-na-braza/">it has shuttered permanently</a>. </li>
<li id="NTT6C8">
<strong>Jake’s Burgers</strong> — The <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2020/05/15/10-plus-restaurants-and-nightclubs-in-north-texas-that-have-permanently-closed/">Henderson Avenue location of this longtime burger chain has closed</a>, according to the Dallas Morning News. </li>
<li id="Zr8vWR">
<strong>Ross & Hall Beer Garten</strong> — This Ross Ave drinking destination <a href="https://www.facebook.com/rossandhall/">announced</a> that it would permanently close its doors on May 17. “This business is a weird one but every now and again you come across a place that is almost an instant family and that’s what this was for us,” the bar’s owners wrote on Facebook. “All different walks of life could come together on the daily and create such a cool atmosphere that we are so deeply gonna miss.” </li>
<li id="dJgezK">
<strong>Wa Kubota</strong> — This popular Plano Japanese restaurant announced on its <a href="https://wakubota.com/">website</a> that its last day of service would be April 30. </li>
<li id="GTKWmh">
<strong>YaYa Best Tex-Mex Yogurt </strong>— Per a statement from owner Ralph Isenberg, this Bishop Arts yogurt shop closed on May 18. </li>
<li id="drVPqC">
<strong>Eastside Social </strong>— Per CultureMap, <a href="https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/05-19-20-da-mario-hopdoddy-boi-na-braza/">this Greenville Avenue bar was “cleared out in April.</a>” </li>
<li id="flGrDQ">
<strong>The Lot</strong> — This <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2020/04/08/hanging-on-to-some-kind-of-hope-more-north-texas-restaurants-close-as-safety-and-financial-concerns-mount/">Lakewood patio destination called it quits in April</a> as coronavirus eliminated the crowds of people who would normally spend hours drinking al fresco. </li>
<li id="qjbeaR">
<strong>Lizard Lounge</strong> — A haven for goths, industrial music fans, and weirdos of all kinds, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/11/21254459/dallas-lizard-lounge-closed-permanently-deep-ellum-coronavirus-shutdown">Deep Ellum lost a neighborhood fixture when Lizard Lounge announced that it would not return after bars were allowed to reopen</a>. There is one ray of hope, though — owner Don Nedler said that he’s looking at finding a new home for the club. </li>
<li id="y54cTW">
<strong>Cool River Cafe </strong>— <a href="https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/06-03-20-closings-cool-river-off-site-kitchen-pizza-mercy-wine-bar/?fbclid=IwAR0TKJYuUbMDoe3MFizg8VCb53Hchtw0Boqk0TFd0FrGHt0PSVgioBPVUh4">Closed permanently, per CultureMap</a>. </li>
<li id="lw11Nc">
<strong>Bird Cafe</strong> — Facing a steep decline in foot traffic in Fort Worth’s Sundance Square, restaurateur Shannon Wynne is set to close Bird Cafe on May 22. Fortunately, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/18/21262320/bird-cafe-fort-worth-closed-permanently-fridas-tacos-open-west-dallas">the restaurant was approved for a Payroll Protection Program loan from the Small Business Administration</a>, which means that employees will be paid for “weeks” after the restaurant’s departure. </li>
<li id="XxHsCf">
<strong>Desert Racer</strong> — closed, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/28/21273157/vantina-desert-racer-patio-popup-nick-badovinus-offsite-kitchen-closing">will be replaced with a patio pop-up called Vantina</a>. </li>
<li id="4bNYUO">
<strong>Off-Site Kitchen</strong> — <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/28/21273157/vantina-desert-racer-patio-popup-nick-badovinus-offsite-kitchen-closing">closed, will not reopen at Trinity Groves</a>. </li>
<li id="GTzyKD">
<strong>Perfect Union Pizza Company</strong> — closed; will be “reconcepted.” </li>
<li id="j0lwsV">
<strong>Ceviche Oyster Bar</strong> — Per a <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1423097354596325/permalink/2623754971197218/?__xts__[0]=68.ARD97eccGxEe84XUU9EVzZgbSBdvLqsNvUvfQ1HDSV-WA-f8lSPBZl_Klcfrp3f41pB9_NscaPDIwkX3-dC9JJRkqPJ9DegOWRGnFNezCG_2lndrlMshcZLBzeOl3ZGzz6xKmAr0FzMcAS84lZWcHaOz4QKxADvPoPHCkhNpqH5nPSgElGPec0XlI-fqAyXDDOdoTVCbZ8-JJIlE1aurA2sVxrQK7flWhb6drJUpubu45PKrLUX6UQEU7N-YvXoZy14JH09f9SXzNLY9Hf6gsoNGYqCxg0th5jZrkYq3wDemGTqt75Lq6UddgNC1PTSG-aQgDLc&__tn__=-R">post</a> to the restaurant’s Facebook page, closed permanently. The menu and staff has moved to a new spot called La Palapa de Sabor at 118 West Jefferson. </li>
<li id="NIocxC">
<strong>Houston’s</strong> — According to CultureMap, <a href="https://dallas.culturemap.com/news/restaurants-bars/06-12-20-houstons-addison-closure/">the Addison location permanently closed its doors on June 13</a>. </li>
<li id="ijuaIV">
<strong>Ikigai Udon</strong> — <a href="https://www.facebook.com/ikigaiudon/posts/3252178534801105?__xts__[0]=68.ARC6LatpItpJnAtg0KyfCUdO2Z_VNl65XlQxQrbZ4OhEAR702PQIkcdSaptkEGRyzzDi0xmDH-LIZKMuCR_JP_9ETseMJilWLGr5BN3FgXZvAUwbPQ8O8i_q-Y5tLlxh1a-cAKvYKmWNdn8R8bnsInvfSAn9P454L8MIyxV1WBGDkvZlC4W3o1tlJ0ZxIqSUB-vY1POefsy74jQ6MWvWOFRJF-f9cSl7TNtJcmpdHMJ10lQjyOZqB4xisJBQoGixBkj8hr8-cWXMVl4A7Evc15HNx4uOGlltKieZed0cD1vq8bihgU-KkAB0SNgyPqiA9Eu9ZG-hFB-Sr9mblTrMLoL0saSm&__tn__=-R">Announced</a> on June 18 that it would close permanently due to the current “unusual economic situation.” </li>
<li id="fm6pMk">
<strong>Jake’s Burgers</strong> — According to Lakewood Advocate, <a href="https://lakewood.advocatemag.com/2020/06/22/jakes-closed/">the Henderson Avenue outpost of Jake’s closed due to issues with its landlord</a>. </li>
<li id="GoQHHs">
<strong>Tacos Mariachi </strong>— Per the Dallas Morning News, <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2020/06/30/tacos-mariachi-on-lower-greenville-permanently-closes/">the Greenville Avenue location of this popular taqueria shuttered for good</a>. The original outpost on Singleton Ave will reopen. </li>
<li id="d1TnNv">
<strong>Black Swan Saloon</strong> — After a decade in Deep Ellum, this beloved watering hole announced it would not reopen in November. </li>
<li id="eur3Zb">
<strong>Sassetta </strong>— The chic Italian restaurant in the Design District won’t reopen in its current home, but <a href="https://www.dallasnews.com/food/restaurant-news/2020/08/31/carbone-a-michelin-starred-italian-restaurant-in-new-york-will-open-in-dallas/">could possibly find a new spot in Downtown</a>, according to the Dallas Morning News. </li>
<li id="G4UxLl">
<strong>Wheelhouse</strong> — Permanently closed in November. </li>
<li id="u0Ov0Q">
<strong>Salaryman</strong> — This much-lauded Bishop Arts ramen restaurant announced its permanent closure on November 17, following chef-owner Justin Holt’s diagnosis with leukemia. Donate to Holt’s medical assistance fund via <a href="https://www.gofundme.com/f/helping-heal-justin-holt">GoFundMe</a>. </li>
<li id="jtudYI">
<strong>Kobe Steaks</strong> — This Addison Hibachi spot called it quits in October. </li>
<li id="3rS6i5">
<strong>Beauty Bar</strong> — Closed in October. </li>
<li id="Sproyq">
<strong>Taco Stop </strong>— Closed in late August. </li>
<li id="e5lqG2">
<strong>Nazca Kitchen</strong> — Permanently closed in August. </li>
<li id="RCHgMY">
<strong>Captain Nemo’s</strong> — Permanently closing in December. </li>
<li id="RcGEuP">
<strong>The Poke Point</strong> — Permanently closing in December.</li>
<li id="lKu529">
<strong>Crossroads Diner</strong> — Permanently closed in November. </li>
<li id="KkP12b">
<strong>Black Swan Saloon</strong> — Permanently closed in November; will be transformed into a new bar called Elm Street Saloon. </li>
<li id="IOUz8O">
<strong>Barbec’s</strong> — Closed in October after a fire, it’s unclear whether or not the diner will reopen. </li>
<li id="exyL0c">
<strong>Remington’s Seafood</strong> — Permanently closed. </li>
</ul>
<p id="90jrOa"><em>Know of a permanent Dallas restaurant closure that’s not on this list? Drop us a line at dallas@eater.com.</em></p>
<aside id="nJ8IbE"><div data-anthem-component="newsletter" data-anthem-component-data='{"slug":"dallas-eater"}'></div></aside>
https://dallas.eater.com/2020/5/19/21263824/dallas-restaurants-closed-permanently-during-coronavirus-pandemicAmy McCarthy2020-10-19T11:30:00-05:002020-10-19T11:30:00-05:00Dallas County’s Public Health Experts Say Trick-or-Treating This Halloween Is Unsafe
<figure>
<img alt="A group of kids in Halloween costumes approaches the door of a home, trick-or-treat buckets in hand " src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/snV8m7zzHbAMyquZADU34RpalBM=/386x0:6615x4672/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67654829/shutterstock_1171434154.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Try an at-home Halloween this year | <a class="ql-link" href="https://www.shutterstock.com/image-photo/young-kids-trick-treating-during-halloween-1171434154" target="_blank">Shutterstock</a></figcaption>
</figure>
<p>Instead, the county’s public health committee recommends at-home parties and virtual costume contests</p> <p id="NaLexF">With Halloween rapidly approaching, Dallas County’s public health committee has issued guidance on the types of activities that are safe this year as the COVID-19 pandemic rages on.</p>
<p id="VjovWC">In a new set of guidelines released last week, trick-or-treating is placed squarely in the “unsafe” category of Halloween fun. According to the committee, typical trick-or-treating, where kids march door-to-door in adorable costumes, isn’t safe right now, especially now that Dallas County is back in the “stay at home, stay safe” alert level. “It is difficult to maintain proper physical distancing on porches and at front doors, and sharing food is risky whether reaching into a shared candy bowl or being given candy by hand,” the county’s guidance reads. </p>
<p id="IfbObZ">The Dallas County public health committee also advises against neighborhood “trunk or treat” events, outdoor events where kids can score candy from the trunks of parked cars, Halloween parties with people who aren’t in a person’s household, and trips to haunted houses. What is recommended, though, is a virtual Halloween 2020. Think virtual pumpkin carving competitions, spooky movie nights, and cooking a Halloween-themed dinner at home. </p>
<p id="A77RnL">For those who insist on going out, the guidelines suggest that outdoor seating at “restaurants that comply with safety protocols such as universal masking [and] physical distancing between parties/tables” is a safer option than going to a bar or crowded Halloween party. Small outdoor gatherings of ten people or less are also an option, so long as everyone stays six feet apart and wears masks when in close contact. </p>
<p id="nWQFRA">Scope out Dallas County’s full Halloween guidance <a href="https://www.dallascounty.org/Assets/uploads/docs/covid-19/community/Dallas_CovidHalloweenGuidelines_100120-1.pdf">here</a>. </p>
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https://dallas.eater.com/2020/10/19/21523144/dallas-county-trick-or-treating-2020-covid-19-guidanceAmy McCarthy2020-10-14T09:00:00-05:002020-10-14T09:00:00-05:00How Dallas-Area Counties Are Handling Bar Reopening
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<p>Here’s everything you need to know about reopenings in Dallas County, Collin County, Denton County, and beyond </p> <p id="8YFm1K">Last week, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced that, for the first time since June, bars across the state would be allowed to reopen at 50 percent capacity — with a couple of major caveats. Under Abbott’s latest executive order, COVID-19 hospitalizations must account for less than 15 percent of hospital capacity, and perhaps most importantly, the county judge in each county must file an application with the TABC for reopening to happen. </p>
<p id="pZHRVO">While Dallas County bars will stay closed for now, at least a few DFW counties have decided to charge forward with reopening. Scope out the guide below for full details on bar reopening in counties across the metroplex. </p>
<h3 id="zzUPqY">Dallas County </h3>
<p id="JLHBdF">In a statement shortly after Abbott’s announcement, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/10/7/21506820/dallas-bars-wont-reopen-gov-greg-abbott-executive-order-judge-clay-jenkins">Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins said that he would not make that move right now because the county’s positivity rate was still too high</a>. </p>
<p id="BsgTzu">In a September interview with Eater, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/9/8/21426489/dallas-county-judge-clay-jenkins-dining-out-safely-restaurant-survival-stimulus-package">Jenkins outlined his concerns about bar reopening</a>. “The socialization when you’re at a bar is a problem. You tend to move around a little bit more, people are more gregarious and more careless with masking,” he said. “It’s pretty hard to drink through a straw with a mask on, period. If we open up the bars too quickly, that would be something that could really hurt our other businesses.” </p>
<h3 id="xFVXHd">Tarrant County </h3>
<p id="MmUKP4">In a press conference on Monday, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/10/13/21514140/tarrant-county-bars-allowed-to-reopen-county-judge-glen-whitley">Tarrant County judge Glen Whitley announced that he would allow bars in the county to reopen at 50 percent capacity</a> on Wednesday, October 13. Under Abbott’s order, though, Tarrant County bars will be required to stop serving alcohol at 11 p.m. According to Whitley, bars that. don’t follow the 50 percent capacity guidelines are subject to fines. </p>
<p id="qGP2GZ">The decision to open came amid an increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations in the county, and days after videos from bars in Fort Worth’s West 7th District, featuring crowds of maskless people, went viral on social media. </p>
<h3 id="Cby3jI">Collin County </h3>
<p id="VFUZvP">Collin County judge Chris Hill announced last week that he would “file the necessary paperwork” with the TABC so that the county’s bars could reopen on Wednesday, October 13. “At no time this year has our hospital capacity been overwhelmed or threatened by COVID-19,” Hill said in a <a href="https://twitter.com/JudgeChrisHill/status/1314318179225739269?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1314318179225739269%7Ctwgr%5Eshare_3&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.star-telegram.com%2Fnews%2Fcoronavirus%2Farticle246323750.html">statement</a> posted to Twitter. “Quite simply, Collin County should be completely open. I will listen to everyone, but will follow the science.” </p>
<h3 id="qih9vB">Denton County </h3>
<p id="SG5vDo">On October 9, Denton County judge Andy Eads announced that he had filed paperwork to reopen bars in Frisco, Denton, and other Denton County municipalities. “Denton County has continued to do a great job with our cases down compared to other urbanized areas in North Texas,” Eads <a href="https://www.facebook.com/dentoncountyjudgeandyeads">said</a>. “We feel for the financial pain these businesses have gone through and we fully support their reopening.” </p>
<h3 id="KHYJlR">Rockwall County</h3>
<p id="AKDjIa">On October 9, Judge David Sweet announced in a Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/david.sweet.77/posts/3874513012576617">post</a> that he had submitted the application to the TABC to reopen Rockwall County bars on October 13. </p>
<h3 id="5aH3lb">Parker County</h3>
<p id="oiXXBB">When reached via phone, Parker County judge Pat Deen told Eater that he had just completed the application to reopen bars in the county after consulting with local health officials.</p>
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https://dallas.eater.com/2020/10/14/21515058/dfw-bars-reopening-dallas-county-tarrant-collin-denton-parker-rockwallAmy McCarthy2020-10-13T09:00:00-05:002020-10-13T09:00:00-05:00Tarrant County Will Allow Bars to Reopen Despite Rising COVID-19 Cases
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<figcaption>Concrete Cowboy in Fort Worth | Concrete Cowboy/Facebook</figcaption>
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<p>The decision comes days after videos from extremely crowded Fort Worth “restaurants” went viral </p> <p id="dwAUds">Following an order from Texas Gov. Greg Abbott, bars in Tarrant County will be allowed to reopen this week.</p>
<p id="615EaB">Tarrant County judge Glen Whitley announced the decision in a press conference on Monday, noting that he had conferred with Fort Worth mayor Betsy Price and health officials on his decision. According to Whitley and Price, bars will be allowed to reopen their doors at 50 percent capacity on Wednesday, October 13, and establishments that violate capacity limits are subject to fines. They’ll also be required to close at 11 p.m. daily. </p>
<p id="jTVmWm">“I feel like we can do this and remain safe,” Whitley said during the press conference. </p>
<p id="1gWQVv">That’s some bizarre confidence from Whitley, especially considering that videos depicting “restaurants” — AKA bars that have been allowed to operate as restaurants under a waiver issued by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission — packed with crowds of maskless people went viral over the weekend. Scope out this snippet of the madness, captured by WFAA reporter William Joy, below: </p>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet">
<p lang="en" dir="ltr">The public Snapchat video from FW’s Crockett Row area last night really has to be seen to be believed.<br><br>Reminder: Bars are closed currently, so under <a href="https://twitter.com/TexasABC?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@TexasABC</a>/<a href="https://twitter.com/GovAbbott?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@GovAbbott</a> rules, these are from “restaurants”. <br><br>Understandable why public officials/biz owners are confused.<br>(<a href="https://twitter.com/wfaa?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@wfaa</a>) <a href="https://t.co/txIqLQZdch">pic.twitter.com/txIqLQZdch</a></p>— William Joy (@WilliamJoy) <a href="https://twitter.com/WilliamJoy/status/1315391402415714309?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 11, 2020</a>
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<p id="snpoc3">The decision to allow bars to reopen comes just after <a href="https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/tarrant-county-weighs-reopening-bars-as-covid-19-numbers-tick-up/287-6995cb9b-f068-4870-bd87-2355c85465f8">Tarrant County reported an 85 percent increase in COVID-19 hospitalizations</a> over the past three weeks. </p>
<p id="eMl5e9">Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins announced last week that he would not reopen the county’s bars because the numbers were trending in the wrong direction, while Collin County plans to proceed with reopening this week. </p>
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https://dallas.eater.com/2020/10/13/21514140/tarrant-county-bars-allowed-to-reopen-county-judge-glen-whitleyAmy McCarthy2020-10-06T09:12:31-05:002020-10-06T09:12:31-05:00Texas Gov. Greg Abbott’s Cryptic Tweet Hints at Bar Reopening ‘Soon’
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<img alt="Abbott announces the reopening of more Texas businesses" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/fZSl7RmogIzirKv0DrnO9KFAIug=/167x0:2834x2000/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67588506/1213516978.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lynda M. Gonzalez-Pool/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>After Abbott said that he plans to announce more reopenings soon, Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins voiced opposition to the move </p> <p id="1zSxdG">On Monday, Texas governor Greg Abbott hinted that bars — which have been shuttered for months in an effort to stem the spread of the coronavirus pandemic — could be allowed to reopen their doors soon. </p>
<p id="T8qPlV">Abbott signaled the potentially impending reopening in a <a href="https://twitter.com/GregAbbott_TX/status/1313211348474630145">tweet</a>, saying that he would be announcing additional reopening measures soon, as “Texans have continued to keep COVID under control.” The governor didn’t specifically single out bars, but he did pair the announcement with a popular toast and a GIF of two beer mugs clinking together, fueling speculation that bar reopening is in the works. </p>
<p id="cl8jyb">“The hospitalizations, number of new positive cases, and positivity rate remain contained,” Abbott wrote in the tweet. “Today was one of the lowest for fatalities in a long time.” </p>
<p id="ViZ93T">Bars in Texas have been closed since at least June 26, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/6/26/21304298/governor-greg-abbott-closes-bars-restaurants-50-percent-capacity-coronavirus-covid-19-surge">when Abbott ordered the establishments to shut down again after allowing them to reopen for about a month between mid-May and mid-June</a>. During that brief reopening period, COVID-19 cases spiked across the state. “At this time, it is clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars,” Abbott said in a June press conference announcing the closures. </p>
<p id="INtH8a">In <a href="https://twitter.com/JudgeClayJ/status/1313257856813146114">response</a>, Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins cited the county’s public health committee, which “strongly discourages the reopening of bars at this time.” “Unfortunately, we are now seeing an increase in daily new cases and hospitalizations in North Texas,” Jenkins said. Across the state, <a href="https://www.wfaa.com/article/news/health/coronavirus/covid-19-updates-north-texas-dallas-tarrant-collin-denton-october-5/287-bbe5f592-4081-4d88-a6a7-3b7d14a12993">hospitalizations related to COVID-19 have risen over the past few weeks</a>, and Dallas County continues to report hundreds of new COVID-19 cases each day. </p>
<p id="hlwaNX">Abbott has not clarified what “soon” means in terms of announcing a reopening of Texas bars. Stay tuned for more details. </p>
<ul>
<li id="VB5iWy">
<a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/6/26/21304298/governor-greg-abbott-closes-bars-restaurants-50-percent-capacity-coronavirus-covid-19-surge">With COVID-19 Cases Surging, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Shutters Dallas Bars Again</a> [EDFW]</li>
<li id="gNewHj">
<a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/8/19/21374281/dallas-restaurant-bar-reopening-timeline-covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic">A Timeline of Dallas’s Tumultuous Restaurant Reopening During the COVID-19 Pandemic</a> [EDFW]</li>
</ul>
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https://dallas.eater.com/2020/10/6/21504089/greg-abbott-hints-bars-reopening-texas-2020-covid-19-coronavirusAmy McCarthy2020-09-17T12:20:27-05:002020-09-17T12:20:27-05:00Texas Gov. Greg Abbott Allows Dallas Restaurants to Expand Capacity, Bars Must Remain Closed
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<img alt="Abbott announces the reopening of more Texas businesses" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/VAV1SvkQrmq1nhPZ7uKZnCXi9y0=/167x0:2834x2000/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67425310/1213721353.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Photo by Lynda M. Gonzalez-Pool/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The expanded reopenings go into effect on Monday </p> <p id="djN30h">At a press conference Thursday afternoon, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott announced plans to allow restaurants to expand their indoor dining capacity, while requiring that bars still remain closed. </p>
<p id="q8sXTZ">Under Abbott’s new executive order, restaurants will be allowed to seat diners up to 75 percent of their normal capacity starting on Monday, up from the 50 percent capacity limit implemented by Abbott in July. It’s actually the second time that restaurants have been allowed to increase to 75 percent capacity — <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/6/3/21279795/dallas-bars-50-percent-capacity-restaurants-75-percent-capacity-june-open-texas-greg-abbott">Abbott initially announced plans for that back in June</a>, then walked them back as COVID-19 cases rose. </p>
<p id="qhNFAe">“Because bars are nationally recognized as COVID spreading locations, they are still not able to open at this time. However, it is important for them to know that we are focused on ways to get them open,” Abbott said. “We need to work with the bars on effective strategies so that when they open, COVID spread can be effectively contained.” He did not elaborate on a timeline for when bars might be able to reopen. </p>
<p id="kboVH9"><a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/6/26/21304298/governor-greg-abbott-closes-bars-restaurants-50-percent-capacity-coronavirus-covid-19-surge">Bars have been shuttered completely since June 29</a>, when Abbott was forced to walk back his Open Texas plan as COVID-19 cases rose across the state. Bars were specifically singled out as problematic by the governor, who said that it was “clear that the rise in cases is largely driven by certain types of activities, including Texans congregating in bars.” </p>
<p id="igIeTO">The move comes just one day after the Texas Tribune reported that, back in May when Abbott allowed restaurants to reopen at limited capacity, <a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/16/texas-coronavirus-positivity-rate-data-method/">the state’s COVID-19 positivity rate was still significantly higher than the 5 percent “benchmark” positivity rate that the World Health Organization recommends for reopening businesses</a>. This early reopening, it seems, was a major contributor to the spike in novel coronavirus cases that the state saw in June. </p>
<p id="v8iasC">The numbers continue to decline, but as Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins told Eater earlier this month, <a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/9/8/21426489/dallas-county-judge-clay-jenkins-dining-out-safely-restaurant-survival-stimulus-package">ordering takeout or delivery is still the safest way to dine out right now</a>. “All things being equal, the doctors still point out that it’s safer to do takeout or curbside. If you are going to eat somewhere, it’s preferable to sit on the patio. But it’s even more preferable to take it home with you,” Jenkins said. “If you are over the age of 65 or have a high-risk condition, you still want to stay at home.” </p>
<p id="T62Xvj">The only exception to Abbott’s new guidelines for restaurants are establishments located in areas where the hospitalization rate is still too high, including the Rio Grande Valley, Victoria, and Laredo. </p>
<ul>
<li id="Ys1HPK">
<a href="https://www.texastribune.org/2020/09/16/texas-coronavirus-positivity-rate-data-method/">Share of positive COVID-19 cases as Texas reopened was higher than originally reported, new state calculations show</a> [TxTrib]</li>
<li id="2S66xU">
<a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/9/8/21426489/dallas-county-judge-clay-jenkins-dining-out-safely-restaurant-survival-stimulus-package">Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins Is Rooting for the City’s Bars and Restaurants</a> [EDFW]</li>
<li id="5KYP1e">
<a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/8/19/21374281/dallas-restaurant-bar-reopening-timeline-covid-19-coronavirus-pandemic">A Timeline of Dallas’s Tumultuous Restaurant Reopening During the COVID-19 Pandemic</a> [EDFW]</li>
</ul>
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https://dallas.eater.com/2020/9/17/21441402/texas-gov-greg-abbott-restaurants-expand-capacity-bars-still-closedAmy McCarthy2020-09-08T09:20:34-05:002020-09-08T09:20:34-05:00Dallas County Judge Clay Jenkins Is Rooting for the City’s Bars and Restaurants
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<img alt="Dallas County judge Clay Jenkins, wearing a grey suit, blue shirt, and red tie, standing at a podium." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/h1myrMGyvqkY_7g08R1TKcjSyO8=/99x0:3000x2176/1310x983/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/67369972/457249392.jpg.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Judge Clay Jenkins in 2014 | Photo by Stewart F. House/Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>The judge in charge of Dallas’s coronavirus response sounds off on dining out safely and why restaurants should be included in the next federal stimulus package</p> <p id="EJyKwx">Since the beginning of March, Dallas county judge Clay Jenkins has been hard at work, trying to mitigate the impacts of the novel coronavirus pandemic on both people and businesses in North Texas. He’s also, like many of the rest of us, been stuck indoors, staying away from restaurant dining rooms and ordering as much takeout as possible to keep his favorite establishments afloat.</p>
<p id="iaiFKd">Eater sat down with Jenkins to talk about whether or not it’s safe to dine in right now, the possibility of Texas Gov. Greg Abbott reopening bars in the coming weeks, and whether or not bars and restaurants should be included in the next federal stimulus package. </p>
<p id="j4mL7D"><strong>Eater Dallas: Have you eaten at a restaurant since Gov. Greg Abbott allowed dining rooms to reopen at limited capacity in May? </strong></p>
<p id="9pKjgi">Judge Clay Jenkins: I have not. I’ve done takeout and curbside pickup, a lot of times from Doce Mesas on McKinney Avenue and quite a few pizzas, from Campisi’s and Fireside Pies. We’ve gotten some barbecue, some great Thai food at Thai Opal. </p>
<p id="X5GrD1"><strong>Based on what you’re hearing from experts, what would make you feel safe to eat inside a restaurant? </strong></p>
<p id="g6dBf1">I want to know whether or not the management of the restaurant is taking this seriously. Is the staff all wearing masks? Are those masks secure over their noses? Are the tables appropriately spaced? I think if people see a haphazard approach, where people are pulling down their masks to talk or owners are trying to cram in a few more tables than they should, it makes you question what other corners are being cut. </p>
<p id="tfypeA"><strong>Do you think most restaurant owners are complying with the rules? </strong></p>
<p id="KLqkjt">I can’t say from personal experience because I haven’t been in a restaurant, but I think so. There was one restaurant early on that wouldn’t let its waitstaff wear masks, and that ultimately resulted in a lawsuit. When that made the news, the community wanted to know what was going on in the back of that restaurant. It wasn’t a good PR move. </p>
<p id="PG5ULO">I think most restaurateurs — 99.9 percent — are very serious about cleanliness, food handling, and safety. Hospitality is their livelihood, and if people don’t feel safe and enjoy the experience at a restaurant, they won’t come back. </p>
<p id="DBaQG0"><strong>Do you think it’s safe for most people to eat at restaurants right now? </strong></p>
<p id="v8iasC">All things being equal, the doctors still point out that it’s safer to do takeout or curbside. If you are going to eat somewhere, it’s preferable to sit on the patio. But it’s even more preferable to take it home with you. If you are over the age of 65 or have a high-risk condition, you still want to stay at home. </p>
<p id="xEJGBr"><strong>Last week, Gov. Abbott hinted that he might soon be looking to loosen restrictions on businesses that have been required to close or limit capacity. Do you think that could mean allowing bars to reopen, even at reduced capacity? </strong></p>
<p id="g8gegQ">I sure hope not. I feel for the bar owners, but in places where the bars are open, that’s where you’re seeing the big spread, particularly around the college campuses. Some of our big spread events have come from bars. </p>
<p id="BsgTzu">The socialization when you’re at a bar is a problem. You tend to move around a little bit more, people are more gregarious and more careless with masking. It’s pretty hard to drink through a straw with a mask on, period. If we open up the bars too quickly, that would be something that could really hurt our other businesses. </p>
<p id="dGqOmL"><strong>What about the mask requirement? </strong></p>
<p id="X4AS9w">The worst thing he could do is make wearing masks an option in public places. Even when the masking requirement was just in place for Dallas County, we started seeing a big decline in new cases. When the governor joined us on July 2 with the statewide mandate, we saw another big decline that’s still continuing. Keeping the bars closed and the masks on is really going to be important. </p>
<p id="mT5SN7">Last week, our doctors moved Dallas County’s COVID-19 threat level from red to orange. It’s been legal to eat at restaurants for months, but a lot of people want to know when the doctors think it’s safe. Now, the doctors say that if you’re under 65 and have no complicating conditions, they think it’s safe to eat inside a restaurant where the tables are spaced six feet apart and everyone’s wearing masks. If [Gov. Abbott] makes masks permissive, the cases are going to shoot back up. The goal is to get from orange to yellow, when we can do more fun stuff and not have to go the long way again. </p>
<p id="wIryNQ"><strong>In your mind, what needs to happen for bars to reopen? </strong></p>
<p id="ZpEaBJ">We want to get the positivity rate below 5 percent, and when you reopen, you reopen patio service first. It seems like droplets dissipate more quickly in the outdoors, but sitting on a patio in early September in Texas is not particularly appealing to people. But we’re getting into the cool months, and that may be a way for bar owners to get back in the game. </p>
<p id="dU1cJJ"><strong>Many of Dallas’s bars are applying under the TABC waiver to get licenses to operate as restaurants. Are you concerned that this will result in more crowded establishments, </strong><a href="https://dallas.eater.com/2020/8/25/21400846/bottled-blonde-dallas-deep-ellum-tabc-investigation-violation-covid-19-rules"><strong>as we’ve already seen with places like Bottled Blonde</strong></a><strong> in Deep Ellum? </strong></p>
<p id="0684Hz">We are concerned. If what ends up happening is bars are packed because it’s now possible to buy a sandwich with your drink, that’s not going to have a different outcome from just opening the bars. It’s a tough situation, because I’ve got a lot of friends who own and work at bars and restaurants and I hate to see what they’re going through. It’s terrible.</p>
<p id="1L5MfS">But bars seem to be — and this is not just in Texas but around the United States and other countries — uniquely high spread environments. When you get a bunch of people together in a bar, with their masks pulled down to drink, bad things happen. We’ve got to think about trying to keep as many people healthy as possible, and as many businesses open as possible. I think our best hope is opening back up for outdoor service and doing it with a lot of distancing. </p>
<p id="YuesfQ"><strong>Do you think restaurants and bars will be included in upcoming pandemic relief packages, whether on the state or federal level? </strong></p>
<p id="iCmtd5">Boy, they should be. If anybody needs another round of stimulus, it’s our restaurants and bars. I have been pleading with people to order takeout and support their favorite restaurants, or they won’t be here when this pandemic is over. Our restaurants and bars have really been hurting, and those employees have been hurting. If legislators are going to pick the people most deserving of another round of stimulus, restaurants and bars need to be at the top of that list. </p>
<p id="OSxtzx"><strong>Do you think it’s likely that restaurants and bars will receive any relief? </strong></p>
<p id="you7ot">I’ve been talking to Democrats and Republicans in the House and Senate, and I think the chances are pretty good. The Democratic plan is more generous in terms of stimulus, and the Republican plan should cover bars and restaurants. [Republicans] want to do another round of something similar to Payroll Protection Program loans, but businesses who apply for those loans will have to demonstrate a 50 percent drop in revenue. I certainly think our restaurants and bars can show that. </p>
<p id="gLEbEb">I hope they’ll land somewhere in the middle, between what the House Democrats proposed and the Senate Republicans’s plan, so that they can help more businesses. They need to loosen it up on the Senate side to cover people who need the help to keep their businesses open. </p>
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https://dallas.eater.com/2020/9/8/21426489/dallas-county-judge-clay-jenkins-dining-out-safely-restaurant-survival-stimulus-packageAmy McCarthy