Bill > A2100

Introduced Session

This bill permits dogs in the outdoor dining areas of food establishments, provided that certain conditions are met. Specifically, the bill requires that: the owner of the food establishment has elected to allow pet dogs in the outdoor dining area; the outdoor dining area is accessible by pet dogs through a separate outdoor entrance without them passing through the interior of the establishment; pet dogs are not allowed on chairs, benches, seats, or other fixtures; the outdoor dining area is not used for food or drink preparation or storing utensils; food or water is only provided to pet dogs in single-use disposable containers; food service employees are prohibited from having direct contact with pet dogs and are required to wash their hands in the event they do make such contact; the outdoor dining area is maintained clean and any surfaces that have been contaminated by a dog are cleaned and sanitized; the pet dog is on a leash or confined in a pet carrier and is under its owner's control at all times; the owner of the food establishment ensures compliance with local ordinances related to sidewalks, public nuisance, and sanitation; and any other control measures are complied with. The bill additionally codifies the current requirements regarding the presence of live animals in food establishments as set forth at N.J.A.C.8:24-6.5, which prohibits live animals from being on the premises of food establishments except in certain limited circumstances where the contamination of food, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-use articles cannot result. The exception applies to certain edible and decorative fish; shellfish and crustacea; live and dead fish bait; patrol dogs when accompanied by a police or security officer; outdoor sentry dogs; service dogs and guide dogs in areas that are not used for food preparation; and pets in the common areas of group residences, other than during mealtimes.

Committee Categories

Raj Mukherji (D)*, 

Introduced, Referred to Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee (on 01/27/2016)