AUSTIN, Texas —Despite the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in Texas recently, Gov. Abbott isn't dialing back any of his orders and is still allowing bars to operate at 50 percent capacity. However, not all bars are taking that opportunity, including Dive Bar in Austin. 

If you ask Matt Moore what he likes most about his job as a bartender and general manager of Dive Bar, he’ll tell you it’s the people. 

“Everyone’s family here. Everyone looks out for each other and you know, we get along really well," said Moore. 

Unfortunately, these days, Dive Bar has a lot fewer patrons. 

“Not having the camaraderie of all the regulars surrounding the bars, it's really weird, we miss that a whole lot but for now we just can't do it," said Moore. 

Due to COVID-19, Dive Bar is enforcing strict protocols for its employees and patrons, including making masks mandatory and only operating at 25 percent capacity even though the state allows for 50 percent. 

“I leave it to the employees on duty at the time. If they start feeling uncomfortable with the crowds that they're getting, they're welcome to cut it off at the door and not let anyone else in. I'd rather them feel safe and do their job in a safe way, and that's going to keep the customers safe as well," said Moore. 

However not all bars are doing the same. Over the weekend, the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission suspended the liquor licenses for three bars in Austin for 30 days for not meeting state safety protocol for COVID-19. Moore said seeing packed bars is frustrating. 

“It’s pretty aggravating to see other bars doing that, when some of us are trying so hard to keep things safe. We're trying to make a few people feel comfortable to come back out. And then other bars do this and kind of ... it's going to scare people away, people we were getting back out are going to stop," said Moore. 

COVID-19 has already taken a massive toll on Dive Bar’s bottom line. 

“It's tough. We're not making any profit. We're making enough to keep the bills paid and that is it," said Moore. However, he says sticking to these safety protocols is worth it. “We don’t want to make anyone sick and potentially kill people. And that’s just what we have to do right now to stay safe and keep the bar open.”