New Jersey Assembly Bill A1951

New Jersey 2022-2023 Regular Session

• Introduced: 1/11/22
• Refer: 1/11/22

Caption

"Chloe's Pet Access Law"; permits dogs in outdoor seating areas of restaurants under certain circumstances; codifies current requirements concerning live animals in food establishments.

Impact

The enactment of A1951 will significantly change how New Jersey restaurants operate by allowing dogs in their outdoor dining areas. This could potentially enhance the dining experience for pet owners, making restaurants more appealing to customers who desire to include their pets while dining. The bill also imposes stringent conditions to mitigate health risks associated with introducing pets into food service areas. Restaurant owners must ensure proper sanitation and adherence to public health standards, which could have administrative implications for businesses looking to accommodate these changes.

Summary

Assembly Bill A1951, known as 'Chloe's Pet Access Law,' permits the presence of dogs in the outdoor seating areas of food establishments under specific conditions. The bill outlines that live animals are generally not allowed on food establishment premises; however, exceptions are made for specific circumstances where the presence of live animals does not risk contaminating food or clean equipment. These exceptions include service animals, edible fish in aquariums, and patrol dogs accompanying security personnel. Notably, the legislation aims to codify current regulations regarding animals in food establishments as dictated by the New Jersey Administrative Code.

Contention

While there is general support for A1951 among pet owners and certain advocacy groups, there are concerns from health and safety advocates who fear that allowing dogs in dining areas—even outdoors—could compromise the cleanliness and sanitation standards of food establishments. Critics argue that the potential for contamination and the challenge of maintaining hygiene in shared public areas may outweigh the benefits of enhanced pet access. The debate reflects broader concerns about regulations that balance public health with consumer preferences.