Downtown Columbia bar’s operating permit revoked for COVID-19 violations as students return

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A downtown Columbia bar will have to submit a plan to follow the county's COVID-19 order to the health department before it can open its doors again.

The health department suspended The Gold Bar's operating permit Saturday night after an inspection. The inspection report says there was a lack of social distancing and masks, there were groups larger than 10 people and there were more than 100 people inside.

A spokeswoman for the health department Sara Humm said complaints from the public and violations of the order are taken very seriously.

"We don't want to have to suspend people's permits, but if it's creating a public health hazard, that's a problem that could be beyond just one group of people or one establishment, that could affect our entire community, so we have to take that into consideration," Humm said.

The owner of the Gold Bar Arian Preyer said in a statement they were cited for minor violations that will be easily fixed.

"The Gold Bar totally subscribes to the city, local and federal guidance as it relates to compliance to keeping everyone safe during covid. Since the regulations are new to us all we are working around the clock to stay compliant."

Adrian Preyer, Owner of The Gold Bar

To have the operating permit reinstated, the business must submit an operating plan that will show how it will comply with the public health order.

"We are working very closely with the city to make sure we understand what is required and that we have a plan in place for our patrons. We believe everyone wins when we work collaboratively on stopping the spread of COVID-19. We believe this is an opportunity for growth and we appreciate being able to provide jobs and contribute to the local economy. We are making good-faith efforts to get up and running as soon as feasible.”

Adrian Preyer, Owner of The Gold Bar

The health department stays in communication with businesses about the rules if it does receive a complaint, according to Humm.

"We try to keep those lines of communication open with the local bars and restaurants to make sure that if we get a complaint, we have those communications with them to make sure they know what the rules are," Humm said.

This comes just a week after college students resumed classes. Humm said while the increased foot traffic is good for businesses and the economy, it's important students and businesses know the rules.

"We want to make sure we are keeping people safe and healthy," Humm said. "That's a big part in making people know the rules here locally, especially for students who haven't been here in a while."

The Health Department held meetings with the Columbia Chamber of Commerce and local businesses before the students return to go over the health guidelines, Humm said.

Several businesses told ABC17 News business increased substantially since students returned to the city. For the owner of Pizza Tree, John Gilbreth, the business is welcome, but he hopes people follow the rules.

"I just hope everyone takes the mandates seriously and is compliant," Gilbreth said. "That's what I hope, that's all I can ask for."

His business is in the heart of downtown Columbia, and for him seeing large groups of people out can be hard because of the potential for community spread, and the fear of closing his doors again because of a positive case or mandate.

"I don't want to do that again," Gilbreth said. "I feel for the bars for certain, and they aren't really able to do their jobs as they want to."

Watch ABC17 News at 9 and 10 for the full story.