SAN ANTONIO – Local leaders hope a temporary countywide curfew will help curb the spread of COVID-19 cases as they continue to rise in Bexar County, but some bar owners believe it’s a setback for their recently reopened businesses.
Bexar County judge, San Antonio mayor issue nightly curfew for Thanksgiving weekend
The curfew was announced Wednesday and starts at 10 p.m. Thursday.
The curfew period will be every night from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. until Monday, Nov. 30.
People will not be allowed to gather outside their homes unless they are seeking services from a business.
Restaurants, including those with outdoor service areas, will also be required to close for dine-in services at 10 p.m. until the curfew period ends.
The establishments may continue to offer drive-thru, curbside or takeout service after 10 p.m. and resume dine-in service at 6 a.m. during the curfew period.
Lindsey Shiran fears the curfew is another setback for her bar establishment.
“It’s not really helping at this point for bars that are already shut down for so long,” she said.
Shiran and her husband own Callaghan’s Ice House off Fredricksburg Road. She said the last few months have been a rollercoaster of re-openings and closings.
Last month, Bexar County Judge Nelson Wolff opted to allow bars that didn’t serve food to reopen, but they must close by 11 p.m.
Shiran is in the process of converting her bar into a restaurant so it can stay open later. However, she said with the curfew now in effect, she fears her business will continue to suffer.
“It’s just another hit for us,” she said.
Don Marsh, owner of Bar 1919 off South Alamo, said the holiday weekend is crucial in the bar industry.
“Thanksgiving night, Black Friday, the weekend -- everybody. I mean, these are easy money days for the bar business,” he said.
Marsh said his business is improving, and he was anticipating another boost over the holiday weekend. However, with the curfew in effect, he is unsure of what to expect.
“Now it’s been taken away from us,” Marsh said.
Individuals or establishments who violate the curfew rules may face a fine of up to $1,000.
Answers to frequently asked questions about Bexar County’s Thanksgiving curfew
Answers to frequently asked questions about Bexar County’s Thanksgiving curfew