![Gillibrand Criticized for Not Wearing Mask in New York Restaurant](http://townsquare.media/site/499/files/2022/01/attachment-2021.03.15-GILLIBRAND-BINGHAMTON-e1642434760535.jpg?w=980&q=75)
Gillibrand Criticized for Not Wearing Mask in New York Restaurant
U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand is taking some heat after she walked without a mask through an Albany-area restaurant, ignoring a sign posted at an entrance to the business.
According to the Albany Times Union, Innovo Kitchen owner John LaPosta on Friday was told by a manager of the Latham eatery that Gillibrand "blew past her and (she) didn’t even have a moment to ask her to put her mask on."
LaPosta posted a video of the maskless Gillibrand on the restaurant's Instagram feed.
The business operator said he was infuriated by the senator's actions. LaPosta said he was angry for his staff "who are in masks eight or nine hours a day."
LaPosta noted the mask requirement is a mandate issued by Governor Kathy Hochul.
On Monday morning, Innovo Kitchen reported Gillibrand "called personally to apologize to the staff and the restaurant for the position she put us in during her visit."
In a statement posted on Facebook, the restaurant said Gillibrand "completely owned the mistake and understood and agreed with our position."
The statement also said: "For those of you who commented about us blindly following government /state/local rules please know we blindly follow nothing. We have been very vocal about the recent mask mandate being illogical and we still feel that way, however we own a small licensed business in NYS and employ 60 people. With that comes a responsibility to follow the rules to keep those licenses."
![WDOS-WDLA-WCHN CNY News logo](https://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2023/01/attachment-900.jpg?w=100)
Contact WNBF News reporter Bob Joseph: bob@wnbf.com. For breaking news and updates on developing stories, follow @BinghamtonNow on Twitter.
LOOK: Here are copycat recipes from 20 of the most popular fast food restaurants in America
LOOK: Food history from the year you were born
More From WDOS-WDLA-WCHN CNY News
![Sen. Gillibrand Endorses Hochul In New York Governor’s Race](http://townsquare.media/site/10/files/2022/01/attachment-gettyimages-1363143741-594x594.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Chenango County Announces COVID Masking Mandate](http://townsquare.media/site/498/files/2021/08/attachment-GettyImages-89515347.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Plymouth Volunteer Fire Department Receives Nearly $41K in Funding](http://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2012/11/Fire-Truck-Ambernectar-13-Flickr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![New York Farm Day Comes to Washington](http://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2012/09/Apples-Ben-Garney-Flickr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gillibrand Visits Hartwick, SUNY Delhi to Discuss Broadband Access, Farm Bill](http://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2013/08/Gillibrand-Hartwick-Facebook.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gillibrand Calls for More Funding to Control Emerald Ash Borer](http://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2013/05/Emerald-Ash-Borer-USDAgov-Flickr.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Sen. Gillibrand Pushes for Declaration of Disaster in Flood Ravaged Counties](http://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2013/07/Gillibrand-WIBX.png?w=980&q=75)
![Cuomo, Gillibrand Call on USDA to Send Emergency Food for Flood Victims](http://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2013/07/Herkimer-Flood.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Gillibrand Introduces Bill to Lower Student Loan Rates](http://townsquare.media/site/554/files/2013/05/mound-of-cash-istock.jpeg.jpg?w=980&q=75)