Governor Abbott's Executive Order effective noon June 26 re-closing 51% mixed beverage licenses is unjust and irresponsible.  As of June 25, there are 2,296 statewide confirmed deaths due to Covid-19  out of total population of 29,900,000.  This represents a 0.00007% death rate.  Once again, our businesses are unfairly and unjustly targeted for complete closure which allowing zero income for hundreds of thousands of Texans employed by our industry.  Meanwhile, no other business sector in Texas has been subject to any enforcement of social distancing and are allowed to continue to operate.  The Governor’s decision is without any scientific evidence to suggest that 51% licenses are more responsible than other businesses which cater to the public for the spread of infectious disease. In light of Greg Abbott’s irresponsible and shameful action that shuttered the businesses that provide a livelihood for families and employees in the hospitality industry, we support our members in the constitutional right to protest by keeping their businesses open. TBNA has heard from members across the state expressing their rage that their businesses have once again been unjustly and indefinitely closed without one shred of scientific evidence that bars and nightclubs pose any more of a public health hazard than a restaurant, grocery store, big box retailer, convenience store, health club, hair salon or the many of other business segments that cater to the public throughout the state of Texas.
 
TBNA has engaged with attorney Brent Webster and his firm, Edwards Sutarwalla, PLLC for guidance and representation through this difficult time.  Any business or business owner that chooses to exercise their right to protest and is ticketed, fined, suspended licensed and/or criminally charged, we have counsel standing by to aid if you would like their assistance.  Unfortunately, TBNA’s coffers cannot cover everyone’s individual legal expenses but our Board members have been generous in retaining legal counsel on behalf of all 51% licenses across the state so that we can file suit this week against the State in both state court and federal court seeking a TRO to end the Governor’s overreach. 
 
At this time we need everyone in our industry’s help and participation.  Please contribute to our legal defense fund and JOIN TBNA BY VISITING WWW.TBNA.ORG. Please call other bar owners and bar employees in your city or town and encourage them to join TBNA and contribute to our legal defense fund.  All of these funds go toward protecting your rights.  We are here for you as always during this difficult time.