Health department receives complaint involving commissioner without mask at restaurant

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

A local elected official is seen in a complaint sent to the Columbia/Boone County Health Department about a lack of masks at restaurants.

The complaint included photos showing Boone County Commissioner Fred Parry with others at a Columbia restaurant not wearing a mask.

ABC 17 News obtained copies of the photos through a records request to the health department.

The photos show Parry at a private event held at D. Rowe’s in south Columbia. The person who shared the photos with the health department said they were concerned the venue had ignored the city's mask ordinance.

ABC 17 News blurred the faces of other people in the photos.

David Rowe, the owner of D. Rowe’s, said the members of the private party came in and left the business with masks on, which is in line with what the city ordinance required at that time. He also said the restaurant followed the rules.

Parry said that he has no comment at this time.

Assistant Health Department Director Scott Clardy said officials followed up with the restaurant following the complaint.