Chris Polone, owner of The Rail Club Live bar made good on a promise made earlier in the week to host a protest party Saturday night at the venue on Joyce Drive and Slocum Avenue in Fort Worth. He now faces a 30-day shutdown after hosting a “Tea Party Protest” Saturday evening, defying state orders designed to counteract the state’s soaring COVID-19 numbers. Masks were required at the door and guests were advised to maintain social distancing and wash their hands regularly. Hand sanitizer was also made available by the staff. Just minutes after his protest began Saturday, enforcement officers arrived, informing Polone he could stay open, but would lose his license for 30 days. He chose to remain open. Later in the evening a post on the venue’s Facebook page argued the shutdown was unconstitutional because it was a peaceful protest not a “business” since the venue didn’t charge admission or “sell” alcohol Saturday.
