FORT WORTH, Texas — The bar industry has gone through more lows than highs during the pandemic. For those working in the industry getting back behind the bar after the shutdown has not been a smooth ride, and there are constantly changing rules, causing conflicts with some patrons.
Enforcing the mask mandates inside the building has been one of the biggest issues for bartenders. It adds stress on top of the other responsibilities that already come with the job.
“In a nutshell it’s exhausting,” said Fort Worth mixologist Velton Hayworth. “Make sure guests aren’t leaving and endangering the general public, making sure our guests feel safe,” said Hayworth.
Hayworth and other bartenders want patrons to understand enforcing the mask mandate is not a rule bartenders came up with themselves.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re a democrat or republican, or if you believe COVID is real or not, if you feel your rights are being violated or if you believe in the tooth fairy. Our government officials have passed a law requiring you to wear a mask when you come into our establishment, and a lot of people take it personal,” he said.
Assuring other’s safety has been the hardest point to get across to many individuals who refuse to wear a mask. Recently during the National Finals Rodeo tensions heightened. Hayworth said some rodeo fans who were in town even became hostile.
“I got called every word in the book. I had people try to call me out to the parking lot, people broke our door frame, broke the hinges,” said Hayworth.
He’s been bartending for decades and says for the first time, he had to call security on people who refused to follow the mask mandate.
“This is our livelihood and if we don’t enforce the law we can be shut down. We can be fined,” he said.
Bar industry workers are asking for patience and have taken the time to thank customers who are helping them stay open.
“The vast majority of people that come in here are respectful and follow the law, but there’s always a few bad apples that make it bad for everybody,” said Hayworth.