Harris County had 274 overcrowding complaints this weekend

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Monday, August 10, 2020
Texas officials say most restaurants are observing guidelines despite numerous complaints
Texas officials say most restaurants are observing guidelines despite numerous complaints.

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Over the weekend, the Harris County Fire Marshal's office says it received 274 complaints of overcrowding at bars and other Houston-area establishments.

The Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) warned business owners who don't follow Gov. Greg Abbott's recent order will have their bar or restaurant shut down.

READ MORE: Bars that disobey Gov'.s order will get shut down, TABC warns

Eyewitness News reached out to the Harris County Fire Marshal's Office for its most current overcrowding statistics. Here's a breakdown of the numbers from Friday morning to Sunday night:

  • 138 restaurants
  • 64 retail establishments
  • 37 bars, wineries, distilleries
  • 35 other
  • 225 businesses total in the City of Houston
  • 30 total in unincorporated Harris County
  • 18 in other cities within Harris County
  • 1 error (outside HCFM jurisdiction)

The Fire Marshal's office notes no citations were issued because either the complaints were unfounded or the establishments immediately complied. All bars were immediately referred to the TABC for further action.

SUNDAY, AUG. 8 BREAKDOWN: Watch to hear the latest in COVID-19 numbers and just how many occupancy complaints came through.

Since the governor's order, multiple establishments faced consequences, including having their liquor license suspended.

READ MORE: Houston-area bars among 6 to have licenses suspended

Videos surfaced showing people standing close together, violating social distancing rules and not wearing masks at Spire Nightclub in downtown Houston.

WATCH: Spire nightclub owner says he and partners accept TABC suspension

FULL INTERVIEW: One of Spire's owners is speaking out after facing backlash when a video surfaced showing a packed crowd without masks.

Houston Mayor Sylvester Turner had even created an accountability wall showing the businesses who violated Abbott's order.

WATCH: Mayor Turner announces 3 businesses on 'wall of shame' after ignoring shutdown order

Mayor Turner placed two businesses on his 'Wall of Shame' because they violated Gov. Abbott's order to shut down. Press play to hear what the businesses have to say.

According to its website, TABC has the authority to suspend any license that poses a threat to the public welfare.

The first infraction will result in up to a 30-day license suspension, and the second will result in up to a 60-day suspension.

RELATED LINKS:

Houston mayor adds Bombshells and Flava to COVID-19 'accountability wall'

Gov. Abbott signs waiver allowing bars to sell mixed drinks to-go

WATCH: Pasadena bar holds protest over COVID-19 closures

A group of bar owners and supporters gathered at a Pasadena nightclub to protest Governor Abbott's bar closure order.
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