Updated June 26, 2020
On June 26th, Governor Abbott again amended his executive order affecting the opening of Texas. The June 26th order, GA-28, available here, mandates restaurants shall again return to a maximum 50 percent occupancy capacity effective June 29, 2020. This applies to hotel restaurants and other hotel dining areas.
Additionally, under GA-28, standalone bars that derive more than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages are permitted to remain open only for pickup/to-go service. While most hotels do not derive more than 50 percent of their revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages, hotels should take great care and consider reducing bar service to guests seated at a table in a dining area (at no more than 50 percent occupancy), or for to-go service or in-room dining.
Here is our summary of the authority for various aspects of hotel facilities to operate:
- General hotel operations for accommodating overnight guests: As with prior executive orders, GA-26 continues to allow hotels to accommodate overnight guests at full capacity. Hotel operations for overnight accommodations are considered essential operations under the Department of Homeland Security’s “Guidance on Essential Critical Infrastructure Workers.”
- Hotel restaurants and dining areas: Restaurants can open at up to 50 percent capacity. THLA interprets this restaurant provision as applying to hotel restaurants, dining areas such as a hotel’s breakfast area, and other spaces where food-service occurs. Hotels providing dining service should follow the State operational checklists found here.
- Hotel bars and other alcoholic beverage service: Most hotels that sell alcohol hold TABC alcoholic beverage permits that indicate the hotel establishment does not derive more than 50 percent of its revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages. Provided the hotel’s TABC alcoholic beverage permit does not indicate the establishment derives more than 50 percent of its revenue from the sale of alcoholic beverages, hotel bars may continue to operate and hotels may continue alcoholic beverage service operations, with strict physical distancing and occupancy limitations in effect.
- Hotels should take great care and consider bar service only for guests seated at a table in a dining area (at no more than 50 percent occupancy). Alternatively, hotels should consider offering to-go beverage service or in-room dining. Do not allow guests to gather in groups at the bar, and ensure physical distancing is strictly enforced.
- If you are unsure what type of TABC permit your hotel holds, THLA can assist you. Please call us at 512-474-2996 or email us at news@texaslodging.com.
- Pools and other water features: Pools and other water features remain at 50 percent maximum occupancy and subject to physical distancing requirements.
- Meetings and events: Indoor meetings may continue at 50 percent occupancy capacity, and subject to the physical distancing requirements found in these standards of operation issued by the State of Texas. For outdoor events or activities that involve 100 or more persons, check with your city and county officials for additional restrictions or permitting requirements.
- Gyms and hotel fitness rooms: Gyms can open at 50 percent capacity. Hotels should follow the State operational checklists found here.
- Massage establishments, personal care services, and beauty services: Massage establishments, personal care services, and beauty services can operate, provided the facility maintains at least six feet of distancing between operating work stations. Hotels providing massage services should follow the State operational checklists found here.
- Retail outlets: Retail outlets within hotels such as stores, markets, and gift shops are covered by the 50 percent capacity restriction. Hotels with retail outlets should follow the State operational checklists found here.
- Valet parking services: Valet parking services may operate