This podcast is a visit with Brazos County Judge Duane Peters and WTAW's Bill Oliver.

Brazos County judge Duane Peters announces bars can open, subject to approval from the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC).

If TABC approves, bars can reopen Wednesday at 12:01 a.m., following what was ordered last week by Governor Abbott.

Peters says precinct 3 constable J.P. Ingram and precinct 4 constable Isaac Butler volunteered to take monitor compliance as required by the governor.

Peters says because the county has no enforcement authority, the county's reports will be forwarded to TABC.

News release from Brazos County judge Duane Peters:

After careful consideration and consultation with local leaders, Brazos County Judge Duane Peters has decided to allow local bars to reopen at 50% capacity, per Governor Greg Abbott’s Executive Order No. GA-32.

As part of the order, Judge Peters has submitted paperwork to the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission (TABC) for approval. If accepted by TABC, this measure goes into effect at 12:01 a.m. October 14, 2020.

“I know that bar owners have been waiting patiently for this news,” said Judge Peters, “and I hope this can be another step in reestablishing the livelihoods of those affected by the COVID-19 shutdowns.”

Brazos County constables J.P. Ingram (Pct. 3) and Isaac Butler (Pct. 4) have volunteered to take on the responsibility of ensuring bar owners and patrons are following CDC guidelines, and those set out in the governor’s order.