FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | January 30, 2020
Delaware State Senate Majority Caucus
Contact: Scott Goss (302) 744-4180, or
Dylan McDowell (302) 744-4282
Delaware State Senate Majority Caucus
Contact: Scott Goss (302) 744-4180, or
Dylan McDowell (302) 744-4282
Delaware Senate votes to allow pets in outdoor seating areas of restaurants
Legislation making it clear that restaurant owners can permit leashed dogs in their outdoor seating areas cleared the Delaware State Senate on Thursday.
Passed by the House unanimously on Jan. 16, House Bill 275 now heads to Governor John Carney for his signature.
The legality of allowing dogs on restaurant decks and patios was called into question last summer when the Delaware Division of Public Health sent a warning to eateries and posted on social media about a long-standing regulation barring pets from eating establishments.
The regulation was not routinely enforced outside of responding to complaints.
But the notice led to confusion among restaurateurs and customers, significant public outcry against the regulation and even a petition to change the rule given the popularity of pet-friendly restaurant patios.
“As the proud owner of a Yellow Labrador who follows me everywhere, I share the frustration felt by dog owners and the restaurateurs who cater to them,” said Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover, the prime Senate sponsor of House Bill 275. “This legislation will return us to the circumstances we have enjoyed for years by allowing business owners to decide for themselves whether to welcome pets to their outdoor seating areas.”
HB 275 would allow the owner of a food establishment or beer garden to permit leashed dogs on licensed outdoor patios and beer gardens. Establishments would still need to abide by any health regulations and cleanliness rules. No restaurant owner would be required to allow dogs.
“For years, many visitors and residents – like myself – have thoroughly enjoyed bringing their dogs with them to grab a coffee, bagel or sandwich and sit outside at their favorite establishment. We all were shocked to hear of the regulation that pets couldn’t accompany their owners to restaurants' outdoor seating areas,” said Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, the prime House sponsor of HB 275. “I’m looking forward to resolving this issue with the governor’s signature soon.”
A total of 20 lawmakers from both parties signed on to the bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 19 to 1.
The measure also is supported by the Delaware Restaurant Association.
“The Delaware Restaurant Association was happy to support this legislation and appreciates laws that allow small business owners the choice to make decisions based on their businesses and customers' needs,” DRA President and CEO Carrie Leishman said. “This bill makes choice clear, while maintaining the highest level of public health standards. This is exactly how all legislation should be developed – pulling all stakeholders together for the public good.”
Dr. Kara Odom Walker, secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, said DPH will implement the new law once it is signed by the governor.
“The Department of Health and Social Services appreciates the public and legislators’ passion for House Bill 275,” she said. “We stand ready to implement any regulatory changes necessary to comply with the law, which remain conscious of food safety concerns and largely mirror currently proposed changes to the Delaware Food Code.”
Passed by the House unanimously on Jan. 16, House Bill 275 now heads to Governor John Carney for his signature.
The legality of allowing dogs on restaurant decks and patios was called into question last summer when the Delaware Division of Public Health sent a warning to eateries and posted on social media about a long-standing regulation barring pets from eating establishments.
The regulation was not routinely enforced outside of responding to complaints.
But the notice led to confusion among restaurateurs and customers, significant public outcry against the regulation and even a petition to change the rule given the popularity of pet-friendly restaurant patios.
“As the proud owner of a Yellow Labrador who follows me everywhere, I share the frustration felt by dog owners and the restaurateurs who cater to them,” said Sen. Trey Paradee, D-Dover, the prime Senate sponsor of House Bill 275. “This legislation will return us to the circumstances we have enjoyed for years by allowing business owners to decide for themselves whether to welcome pets to their outdoor seating areas.”
HB 275 would allow the owner of a food establishment or beer garden to permit leashed dogs on licensed outdoor patios and beer gardens. Establishments would still need to abide by any health regulations and cleanliness rules. No restaurant owner would be required to allow dogs.
“For years, many visitors and residents – like myself – have thoroughly enjoyed bringing their dogs with them to grab a coffee, bagel or sandwich and sit outside at their favorite establishment. We all were shocked to hear of the regulation that pets couldn’t accompany their owners to restaurants' outdoor seating areas,” said Rep. Pete Schwartzkopf, D-Rehoboth Beach, the prime House sponsor of HB 275. “I’m looking forward to resolving this issue with the governor’s signature soon.”
A total of 20 lawmakers from both parties signed on to the bill, which passed the Senate by a vote of 19 to 1.
The measure also is supported by the Delaware Restaurant Association.
“The Delaware Restaurant Association was happy to support this legislation and appreciates laws that allow small business owners the choice to make decisions based on their businesses and customers' needs,” DRA President and CEO Carrie Leishman said. “This bill makes choice clear, while maintaining the highest level of public health standards. This is exactly how all legislation should be developed – pulling all stakeholders together for the public good.”
Dr. Kara Odom Walker, secretary of the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, said DPH will implement the new law once it is signed by the governor.
“The Department of Health and Social Services appreciates the public and legislators’ passion for House Bill 275,” she said. “We stand ready to implement any regulatory changes necessary to comply with the law, which remain conscious of food safety concerns and largely mirror currently proposed changes to the Delaware Food Code.”
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Press Contacts
Scott Goss
Communications Director
(302) 744-4180
scott.goss@delaware.gov
Dylan McDowell
Communications Assistant
(302) 744-4282
dylan.mcdowell@delaware.gov
Scott Goss
Communications Director
(302) 744-4180
scott.goss@delaware.gov
Dylan McDowell
Communications Assistant
(302) 744-4282
dylan.mcdowell@delaware.gov