The lawsuit alleges Hugo Balderas-Ibarra’s handling of an immigration case resulted in his client’s deportation. He denies the allegations.

Last November, owner Pam Hillhouse was able to re-open her bar by filing for a food and beverage license. Hillhouse is among the struggling Texas business owners who are optimistic that their businesses will bounce back after Abbott rescinded the statewide mask order. The Bokeeters bar owner said she refused to switch over to a food and beverage license and kept operating as a bar. The Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance said their members are thrilled by the governor’s newest order. The TBNA had filed several lawsuits in 2020 saying the governor’s executive order at the time was unconstitutional.

Party Time Bar outside of Temple was one of many bars closed during the coronavirus pandemic in March. Greg Abbott outlined his latest reopening plan this week, bar owner Greg Barrineau watched in disbelief. Abbott, who announced that Texas restaurants could expand dine-in service to 75% capacity, said bars must remain closed. It could leave 30% of Texas bars and 39% of distilleries permanently closed within six months, industry leaders said. When Abbott ordered bars closed again, he expressed regret at allowing them to reopen so quickly.

AUSTIN The Texas Bar and Nightclub Alliance has announced it plans to sue the State of Texas over Gov. Greg Abbotts recent decision and order to shut down bars across in the state. The decision comes after Abbott decided to close bars again on Friday after COVID-19 cases continued to surge across the state. The association is now encouraging bar owners to violate the order. Abbotts order says any establishment that receives more than 51% of its sales from alcohol must close its doors but can still have takeout and delivery.