Houston Mayor Will Enforce Social Distancing at Crowded Bars and Clubs

FOX 26 reports that "Mayor Sylvester Turner promises enforcement of occupancy limits at Houston bars."

On Sunday, just days after Houston bars reopening, Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner said he was disappointed after seeing social media videos featuring crowded bars and clubs in the city. He said that "it would be irresponsible to ignore that type of behvaior" given Gov Abbotts order for bars and clubs to open at only 25% capacity.

Turner states there was "no social distancing, no masks. You're forcing us to step in for public health reasons and say no." And on Friday beforehand, he had stated Housotn would not enforce that 25% capactiy, but after seeing how packed and crowded the bars and clubs are, almost to maximum capacity, he changed his tune. According to Mayor Turner, the Houston Fire Marshals received "137 phone calls Friday night relating to social distancing complaints," and he also stated that if people see social distaning not being adhered to, they should be responsible and report. He stated The Fire Marshall has the ability to close down a bar for a night and issue citations if they are not compliant, but the HPFFA responded in denial of that statement, further contesting Mayor Turner's abilities.

Turner last stated that he hopes those who went to those bars over the weeking will get a test for COVID-19.