Bill > S932

Introduced Session

This bill allows municipalities to adopt an ordinance allowing the owner or operator of a food establishment located in that municipality to permit pet dogs, pet cats, or both in the dining area of the food establishment. The municipal ordinance will be required to specify which types of pet animals will be permitted in food establishments, and to expressly allow the owners and operators of food establishments to restrict the days or hours during which pet animals will be permitted in the dining area of the food establishment. Additionally, the ordinance will require that: (1) the owner or operator of the food establishment to expressly authorize pet animals in the dining area of the food establishment as a condition of allowing pet animals in the dining area of the food establishment; (2) to post signage at each entrance to the food establishment clearly notifying the public that pets are permitted in the dining area of the food establishment, the days and hours when pets are allowed on the premises, the risk of exposure to pet allergens, and the guidelines to be followed; (3) all pets are required to be on a leash or confined in a pet carrier and under a person's control while in the food establishment; (4) no pet is permitted access to areas in which food is prepared; (5) no pet is allowed on any seat, table, or food contact area in the food establishment; (6) employees who handle or prepare food are prohibited from having direct contact with pets while on duty, and those who have direct contact with a pet wash their hands; (7) dining areas in the food establishment are kept clean, and surfaces that have been contaminated by pet excrement or other bodily fluids are cleaned and sanitized; (8) food and water provided to pets are dispensed in single-use disposable containers; (9) the owner or operator of the food establishment implements appropriate measures, subject to municipal approval, to ensure persons who are allergic to dogs or cats are not exposed to dogs or cats or their dander or other allergens while in the food establishment; and (10) the owner or operator of the food establishment ensures compliance with local ordinances related to public nuisance and sanitation and any other applicable health and safety control measures. Nothing in the bill will be deemed to modify or supersede any requirements established by State law or municipal ordinance pertaining to the presence of: service animals, patrol and sentry dogs, live or dead fish bait, decorative fish, or edible fish, shellfish, and crustacea in food establishments: or pets in the common dining areas of group residences during times other than meals. The provisions of the bill will be enforced in the same manner as the State Sanitary Code.

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Committee Categories

Joe Pennacchio (R)*, 

Introduced in the Senate, Referred to Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee (on 01/27/2020)