El Paso Is Going To Crack Down On Bars Operating As Restaurants

The city of El Paso is taking steps to start really going after bars, acting as restaurants, who are not following COVID-19 guidelines.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission recently sort of "relaxed" the rules defining bars and restaurants to allow more of these types of businesses to reopen and serve their customers. Some are allegedly not following the new rules regarding food service while others have been accused of not complying with city-mandated health and safety policies.

City Rep. Alexsandra Annello told KTSM that:

“I know several of my constituents have made complaints about bars or restaurants, bars that are now operating as restaurants under the new guidelines, that are clearly not obeying the social distance ordinance”

To ensure that all businesses, not just bar/restaurant operations, are following the rules, El Paso's COVID Compliance Team is toughening up on enforcement and has also ordered new, unmarked vehicles. In addition to stepping up enforcement, the team also plans to put extra effort into explaining all the rules and policies to business owners to help them avoid getting on the wrong side of the law(s). The ultimate goal of the compliance team is to step up enforcement of city rules and mandates. The city is serious about this so, businesses ... especially bars ...  beware!

Several area bars have already had their liquor licenses suspended for non-compliance including La Unica Patio Bar and Taproom, Steve - O's Eat & Drink Too/Sanchos Tacos & Micheladas, Werk Bar, Raves Kitchen & Bar, Rockin' Cigar Bar's Cincinnatti Street location. (Source - KTSM)