Lawmakers introduce bill to allow pets on restaurant patios
DOVER, Del. - DOVER, Del. (AP) — Delaware lawmakers have introduced a bill authorizing restaurants and beer gardens to allow pets in outdoor seating areas.
The bill introduced last week was prompted by a public reminder from state health officials last month that there is a regulation prohibiting pets in restaurants, including patio areas. Officials have acknowledged, however, that the regulation has not been strictly enforced.
The regulation came as a surprise to Democratic House Speaker Pete Schwartzkopf of Rehoboth Beach, a popular beach town where residents and visitors often take their dogs with them when grabbing an outdoor bite.
Schwartzkopf introduced a bipartisan bill that allows owners of food establishments and beer gardens to permit leashed dogs in outdoor areas.