Man’s best friend is one step closer to joining their owners for a casual bite as the Delaware House of Representatives unanimously approved a bill that would allow leashed dogs to enjoy the fun at beer gardens and outdoor patio restaurants.
The measure passed 40-0, with one absent.
The legislation’s swift consideration comes after a firestorm was ignited last summer when state public health officials posted an online notice reminding dog and restaurant owners that state law only allowed for service animals in restaurants. The communication set off an uproar on social media as dog lovers quickly launched a Facebook campaign to oppose the regulation.
Public health officials quickly backtracked and indicated that new guidance would be issued clarifying the matter of pets in restaurants, and that for the time being enforcement of the current law regarding pets in outdoor eateries would not be enforced.
House Speaker and dog owner Pete Schwartzkopf said then that addressing the confusion and getting dogs a seat at the table would be an important order of business when the legislature reconvened in January, and he has kept his promise much to the delight of hungry hounds across the state.
The legislation now bounds over to the State Senate for consideration.
