The Kyle City Council put in place an emergency ordinance that will require gas stations to take additional measures to ensure the safety of customers. The action came at a special meeting March 23, via Zoom.

In an effort to keep residents safe and slow the spread of the coronavirus, the new ordinance will require “... all gas stations where no automatic door is present, at least one door allowing entry for customers shall remain permanently open during business hours,” according to city documents.

Gas stations will also be required to post a statement of the city’s new order on their front door. The ordinance is effective immediately and will be repealed after 60 days, unless reenacted by City Council.

Establishments that fail to comply with the ordinance will be penalized with a fine of no more than $2,000.

In addition, Kyle Mayor Travis Mitchell ordered on March 24 that all gas stations within city limits be restricted to allow only 10 people or less in the building and require hand sanitation stations at at least one entrance of the building, along with an attendant at each station.

The mandate will also require gas stations to enforce distance requirements—6 feet— and require all customers to sanitize their hands before entering the building.

Violation of this mandate will be penalized with a fine of no more than $1,000 or confinement in jail for no more than 180 days.

More information is available at the city’s website, here.