2015 -- H 6210

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LC002695

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     STATE OF RHODE ISLAND

IN GENERAL ASSEMBLY

JANUARY SESSION, A.D. 2015

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A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

     Introduced By: Representatives Lima, Serpa, Trillo, Carson, and Palangio

     Date Introduced: May 15, 2015

     Referred To: House Health, Education & Welfare

     It is enacted by the General Assembly as follows:

     SECTION 1. Chapter 21-27 of the General Laws entitled "Sanitation in Food

Establishments" is hereby amended by adding thereto the following section:

     21-27-12. Outdoor dining -- Dogs permitted. -- (a) A restaurant with an outdoor dining

area may allow a patron's dog to accompany the patron in the outdoor dining area during the

hours designated by the owner of the restaurant.

     (b) The owner of a restaurant:

     (1) Shall determine the location and the amount of space in the outdoor dining area

designated for a patron accompanied by a dog;

     (2) May establish limits on the size and type of dogs and any other limitations relating to

dogs that may accompany a patron into the outdoor dining area of a restaurant;

     (3) May deny entry to the restaurant or eject from the restaurant any patron accompanied

by a dog at the discretion of the owner; and

     (4) Shall place on permanent display a written notice that is in a typeface that is large

enough to be easily legible to the average person and that is in a location that is plainly visible to

the patrons of the restaurant notifying the patrons of the policy of the restaurant allowing dogs in

the outdoor dining area.

     (c) A patron accompanied by a dog:

     (1) Shall not allow the dog to travel through an indoor space of a restaurant to enter or

exit an outdoor dining area;

     (2) Shall keep the dog on a leash at all times with the patron at the table at which the

patron is seated;

     (3) Shall not leave the dog unattended at any time in the restaurant;

     (4) Shall be an adult who is responsible for the behavior of the dog; and

     (5) Shall be liable for any damages caused by the dog to the restaurant or any other

patron of the restaurant.

     (d) This section shall not affect the right of an individual to use a service animal as

provided by the Rhode Island general laws.

     SECTION 2. This act shall take effect upon passage.

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EXPLANATION

BY THE LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL

OF

A N   A C T

RELATING TO FOOD AND DRUGS -- SANITATION IN FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

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     This act would permit dogs in outdoor dining of restaurants under certain circumstances.

The act would not affect the right of an individual to use a service animal.

     This act would take effect upon passage.

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