AUSTIN (Talk1370.com) -- Two Austin bars had their permits suspended Saturday by the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, after undercover agents found evidence that they weren't following the state's required COVID-19 protocols.
Buford's Backyard Beer Garden and Whiskey, Tango, Foxtrot Icehouse were issued an emergency order for a 30-day permit suspension, according to a press release.
"Protecting the health and safety of Texans during this pandemic is our top priority," TABC Executive Director Bentley Nettles said in a press release. "We warned businesses TABC will have no tolerance for breaking the rules, and now, some bars are paying the price. I hope other establishments will learn from these suspensions."
Operation Safe Open is an effort by TABC agents to inspect businesses across Texas to ensure they're following protocols to slow the spread of COVID-19. These requirements include indoor customer capacity limits of 50% for bars and 75% for restaurants, along with social distancing of at least 6 feet between groups of customers.
On Friday, three other bars across the state - one in El Paso, one in Dallas, and one in McAllen - were also issued emergency orders for a 30-day permit suspension.
Officials say a first infraction will result in up to a 30-day license suspension, while a second infraction will result in up to a 60-day suspension.