MCKINNEY (1080 KRLD)- Collin County Judge Chris Hill is getting ready to file any necessary paperwork to allow bars to reopen.
This follows Governor Greg Abbott's executive order released Wednesday granting judges the opportunity to file with the TABC for approval to reopen.
"With the encouragement and recommendation of the doctors and scientists from Collin County Health Care Services, I will be filing the necessary paperwork with the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) to allow Collin County bars to reopen next week," Judge Hill announced.
According to the governor's executive order yesterday, starting October 14th, bars across qualifying counties across Texas will be allowed to reopen at a 50% capacity.
A county's COVID-19 hospitalization rate must remain under 15% if their judge consents. It will then be up to the TABC to enforce the governor's restrictions.
"Our Collin County hospitals and healthcare professionals continue to serve our community with excellence," said Judge Hill. "At no time this year has our hospital capacity been overwhelmed or threatened by COVID-19. Quite simply, Collin County should be completely open. I will listen to everyone, but will follow the science."
According to Collin County's press release, COVID-19 patients have only occupied a 3.05% , on average of the county's available general and intensive care beds since March 21st.
