Gov. Greg Abbott released Phase 1 and Phase 2 of his plan to reopen Texas businesses with staggered opening dates, varying capacities and business-specific guidelines.

Below is a comprehensive list of business types, when they can open and how they can open.

What can open May 22?


  • Restaurants: can expand to 50% occupancy

  • Bars: can open at 25% occupancy in indoor spaces without occupancy limits in outdoor areas; includes restaurants with more than 51% of gross receipts from alcohol sales

  • Rodeo and equestrian events: limited to 25% occupancy; limited to only the rodeo or equestrian event and not larger gatherings such as fairs

  • Bowling alleys, bingo halls, simulcast racing and skating rinks: limited to 25% capacity and 6 feet of social distancing between lanes and customers; interactive exhibits are closed

  • Aquariums and natural caverns: limited to 25% occupancy; interactive exhibits are closed


What else can open, and how can it open?



  • Barbershops, hair salons, cosmetology salons, nail salons, tanning salons, massage establishments, personal-care centers: must keep 6 feet of social distancing between operating work stations

  • Child care centers: must follow state and federal health protocols and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention guidelines

  • Churches and places of worship: must keep 6 feet of separation between household parties

  • Gyms and exercise facilities: limited to 25% occupancy; locker rooms and showers are closed, but restrooms are open

  • Malls: limited to 25% occupancy; food courts, play areas, video arcades and interactive displays are closed

  • Manufacturers: limited to 25% of facility occupancy

  • Movie theaters: limited to 25% occupancy; video arcades and interactive games are closed

  • Museums and libraries: limited to 25% occupancy; interactive functions or exhibits are closed

  • Offices: limited to 10 people or 25% occupancy

  • Outdoor sports: limited to four participants playing together without contact

  • Parks, beaches, rivers, lakes: indoor and outdoor pools limited to 25% occupancy; groups of less than 10 people and 6 feet of social distancing are recommended; additional measures are recommended for rafting; state parks are open with restrictions

  • Retail stores: limited to 25% occupancy

  • Wedding venues: indoor receptions are limited to 25% occupancy

  • Youth clubs: indoor meetings are limited to 10 people with 6 feet of social distancing


What can open next?



  • Zoos: limited to 25% capacity May 29

  • Certain professional sports: includes basketball, baseball, softball, golf, tennis, football and car racing with no spectators at the venue May 31

  • Day and overnight youth camps: can open May 31

  • Youth sports: practices without spectators can begin May 31; games and competitions with or without spectators can begin June 1


Some openings differ in certain counties such as Deaf Smith, El Paso, Moore, Potter and Randall counties. More detailed information is on the state's Open Texas website.

The state has also issued health protocols for all individuals, as of May 18, which includes self-screening, limiting groups to no more than 10 people, keeping 6 feet of separation between people, using hand sanitizer and staying home for people age 65 and up.