The Texas Supreme Court has blocked Austin and Travis County's dine-in restaurant and bar restrictions that stopped service after 10:30 p.m. Attorney General Ken Paxton had argued the city and county restrictions were in violation of Governor Abbott's orders.
The city and county had imposed a four-day shutdown of dine-in food and beverage services from 10:30 p.m. to 6:00 a.m., December 31 through January 3.
“We thank the Supreme Court of Texas for upholding the rule of law. Local declarations cannot order needless shutdowns in conflict with the governor’s order, and these orders demonstrated blatant contempt for the citizens and businesses of our great state,” said Attorney General Paxton. “The Court was right to end these oppressive, illegal city and county declarations and I wish every Texan and Texas business a happy and safe New Year.”