SAN ANTONIO — Cowboys Dancehall is wasting no time in serving its first drinks in weeks, starting its reopening party as soon as state restrictions on bar operations lift at 12:01 a.m.
Earlier this week, Gov. Greg Abbott announced that bars can finally reopen on Friday, so long as they operate at 25% capacity and emphasize social distancing. For Cowboys Dancehall in northeast San Antonio, 25% means no more than about 800 patrons.
Public Relations Director Danny Perez said they're excited to welcome guests who the coronavirus has kept out for more than two months.
"We're blessed to have this opportunity to provide some entertainment," Perez said. "You can tell people want to get their minds off this."
Perez said they've made changes for the reopening. Anyone who stops by will get their temperature checked at the door, and bar areas will be taped off, so a servers will bring drink orders directly to customers.
"We realize this is a serious deal," Perez said. "We're doing our best to adhere to the governor's guidelines."
Abbott's health protocols say that dancing is discouraged, along with any other activity that allows for close human contact.
But Perez says the dance floor at Cowboys will remain open.
"We're asking, if people come out to dance, they dance with the people they came with," he said.
While they want to show people a good time, Perez said safety comes first. Guests should prepare to be social at a distance.
"We've got to be serious about this," Perez said. "Hopefully we can set an example to other large businesses."
Perez added that employees will be wearing gloves and masks. Guests don't need to wear a mask, but it's encouraged. There will also be hand sanitizer placed throughout the club.
Cowboys Dancehall will open again on Friday at 7 p.m.