Second Central Texas county opts in to plan to reopen bars

WACO, Texas (KWTX) – McLennan County is opting into Gov. Greg Abbot’s plan to allow bars to reopen at 50% capacity Wednesday.

McLennan County Judge Scott Felton, after discussing the issue Tuesday morning with county commissioners, decided to sign the order.

“I did not make this decision lightly. I received input from the commissioners court at today’s meeting which unanimously favored opting-in,” Felton said in a press release.

“I also heard information from our local health authority that indicated that the normal way bars operate would lead him to an opposite conclusion,” he said.

“However, the minimum standard protocols, if followed, should relieve those concerns to a significant extent,” he said.

Bell County Judge David Blackburn filed an opt-in request Monday with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission.

“I wanted to hear from our local health authorities about our case counts and our Bell County Hospital capacity before making a decision,” Blackburn said.

“After visiting with our health care providers in the area, I was reassured that our hospital capacity is both stable and adequate at this time,” he said.

“I fully recognize that can change and will be in close contact with our area health care providers to monitor the situation.”

Copyright 2020 KWTX. All rights reserved.