Inspectors say two Columbia bars violated COVID-19 health orders

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Health inspectors cited two Columbia bars on Saturday for what they said were violations of public health orders meant to slow the spread of COVID-19.

Inspectors issued notices of violations to Logboat Brewery Co., 504 Fay St., and 5th Down Bar and Grill, 912 Rain Forest Parkway, after inspections Saturday evening.

Inspectors said in a report that they visited Logboat twice. The inspector who wrote the report said Logboat managers were told during the first visit that the business had not been approved for bar service. A second inspection two hours later showed Logboat had resumed bar service, according to the report.

Inspectors said in a separate report that tables were pushed up against the bar at 5th Down, not allowing for social distancing between the bartender and patrons. The bar had been warned about this practice during a previous inspection, according to the notice of violation.

Kala Tomka with the Columbia/Boone County Department of Public Health and Human Services said Logboat has since submitted a plan for bar service to the health department. The plan must be approved before Logboat can start bar service.

Each notice was sent to the Columbia city prosecutor for review, Tomka said.

Logboat issued a statement on social media.

KMIZ reached out to 5th Down Bar and Grill for comment and have not heard back from them yet.