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Update: Eateries that sell more alcohol than food can still offer food and mixed drinks to go
A spokesman for the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission said Wednesday evening that establishments that have permanent kitchen facilities but make more revenue off alcohol than food may not be open for dine-in service, but are allowed to offer to-go alcohol with food orders.
A story posted in this spot earlier quoted Chris Porter, PIO for the TABC, as saying that these businesses—which included hundreds of eateries across Texas, including many in Austin—were supposed to be closed alongside bars that were shuttered by Gov. Greg Abbott's Friday order.
In our original story, Porter said executive orders throughout the pandemic "have defined bars as businesses, regardless of food preparation, which generate more than 51% from alcohol sales. With this latest executive order, those locations are required to remain closed."
Shortly after the story was posted, Porter retracted his statement in an email to Austonia, saying he "mistakenly gave you the wrong information."
He confirmed in his Wednesday evening email that dining establishments with food service that make 51% or more of their revenue off alcohol are still considered bars and must close their dining areas, he said, but may remain open on a to-go only basis.
"Bars which have a permanent kitchen facility cannot allow customers for dine-in service, but may offer alcohol to-go with food orders," Porter said in an email to Austonia late Wednesday.
Abbott's order closed bars but allowed mixed drinks to be sold with to-go food orders from restaurants for the first time in modern Texas history.
A press statement released by the Abbott's office on Friday states that "bars and similar establishments that receive more than 51% of their gross receipts from the sale of alcoholic beverages are required to close at 12:00 PM today," but that, "these businesses may remain open for delivery and take-out, including for alcoholic beverages, as authorized by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission."
On Saturday, the day after the order, the TABC released guidelines covering the new alcohol-to-go allowances.
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Popular
Tito's Handmade Vodka
Show your love for Tito's and for the community this year with a wide selection of not that ugly, uglyish, ugly, uglier, and ugliest holiday sweaters.
There's lots choose from, and plenty of accessories like scarves and socks, plus gear for your dog, too.
All of the items can be purchased online or at the Love, Tito’s Retail Store in Austin, TX. 100% of all net proceeds from online or in-store purchases go to one of the nonprofits we’ve teamed up with.
Click here to see the entire collection in the Tito's store.
🗓 All weekend
Check out this highly anticipated art exhibition with illuminated art along Waller Creek. Tickets are free and the event includes food vendors, dazzling lights, live music, and hands-on activities
All weekend 6 p.m - 10 p.m | 📍Waterloo Park
This iconic holiday tradition lights up for the first time this holiday season starting this weekend! Reserve your spot for an enchanting light and sound performance, delicious hot cocoa, sweet treats, and some overall fun with your friends or family. The show runs till January 6th.
6 p.m and 9 p.m | 📍Mozart's Coffee Roasters - 3825 Lake Austin Blvd, Austin, TX 78703
🗓 Saturday
This fitness event is free and open to the public. Get your morning started right with a "Fitness in the park" class for kickboxing! The class will be led by certified instructors and is a great way to get a cardio workout in while also honing your self-defense skills.
10 a.m - 11 a.m | 📍 Metz Park
Support local LBGTQ+ and female artists at this outdoor market with over 150 vendors. Get your holiday shopping out of the way at this event, with vendors for food trucks, handmade goods, raffles, hands on workshops and activities, and more.
Did someone say cheese?! If you're like me and always willing to get your hands on a bowl of mac and cheese, then this event is for you. Check out the Mac and Cheese festival happening this weekend to decide which vendor has. the best mac and cheese for yourself, and enjoy the bar with creative cocktails while you're at it. Tickets start at $45.
11 a.m - 3 p.m | 📍Lantana Place - 7415 Southwest Parkway
