Cuomo signs outdoor 'doggy dining' bill into law
Customers dine with their dogs at outside tables at Besito in Huntington in this photo from July 21, 2010. Credit: Ed Betz
Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo has signed the so-called “doggy dining” bill, allowing people to bring their canines into outdoor areas of restaurants.
The state Assembly and Senate had approved the bill overwhelmingly in the spring, despite objections from some lawmakers who raised the scenario of a dog biting someone or getting sick on restaurant food. The proposal was sponsored by Sen. Kemp Hannon (R-Garden City) and Assemb. Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan).
Restaurants that have outdoor dining areas would have the choice whether to allow dogs.
According to the bill, “pet dogs will only be permitted in an outdoor area of a food service establishment if certain conditions are met ensuring contamination of food, utensils or equipment cannot result.”
“This action will give restaurants an additional option to boost revenue and grow their businesses by appealing to this new audience of dog-owning New Yorkers and their four-legged friends," Cuomo said in a statement. "By allowing this additional flexibility and by establishing firm health and sanitary guidelines, this legislation strikes a right balance."
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 21 Massapequa, Miller Place wrestling champs Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks about Massapequa and Miller Place wrestling teams winning state dual meet championships and Jonathan Ruban takes a look at the undefeated Northport girls basketball team.
Sarra Sounds Off, Ep. 21 Massapequa, Miller Place wrestling champs Newsday's Gregg Sarra talks about Massapequa and Miller Place wrestling teams winning state dual meet championships and Jonathan Ruban takes a look at the undefeated Northport girls basketball team.
