Dear Governor Abbott,

I am a near life-long Texan. I’ve lived the majority of my life within two Austin zip codes. I have been raised to believe that Texas is a safe haven for small, local, and independent business owners who give back to their community. 

Sir, I know that this pandemic has been a catastrophic political valley to walk through. I would not dare speak to you about what should or should not be done in every situation. Yet, towards your recent closure of breweries, wineries, and distilleries as “bars” I would petition you to reconsider recent decisions.

Most of these businesses have worked with stricter policies and procedures than you mandated. Most have exclusively served people outdoors as they utilized their indoor space for “to go” business (something hindered by their inability to deliver their own products). They continued this practice even as the weather got increasingly hot. They have carefully protected their employees and partisans by requiring social distancing, washing of hands, and mask wearing when not drinking or eating at tables. Closing these businesses was wrong. 

For your office, this has not been enough. In recent days, your office has permitted the redefinition of a “bar” to include alcohol sold to distributors. These sales to distributors are almost exclusively for local grocery and liquor stores. These sales are oriented for consumption in private residences. Thus, these sales supply alcohol to the people staying home under your guidance and direction.

Sir, these breweries, wineries, and distilleries are being wrongfully punished. They are being punished for abiding by and even exceeding your requirements. They are punished for not being local grocery and liquor stores who are allowed to deliver alcohol themselves or through third parties. They are being punished for supporting local grocery and liquor stores when they sell their product through a distributor and get labeled a “bar.” They are being punished for accommodating people throughout the state of Texas who drink alcohol in the comfort of their home. In brief, they are being punished for abiding by the rules of the state and providing essential products to the economy of Texas.

These things considered; I ask you to reconsider the definition of “bars” in your Executive Order. Neither your 51% definition nor the calculations of your office properly identifies the at-risk locations you wish to close. This novel coronavirus is waging war on our communities. It is waging war on our local businesses. These industries contribute to what makes Texas unique and cannot endure for long as your office hinders them due to inadequate standards and definitions.

Sir, please reconsider your Executive Order’s definitions of “bars” and save our local businesses. Please consider letting these industries self-deliver their own product. I look forward to hearing back from you or your office.

Yours,

Joshua M. Torrey

Photo by Drew Mills