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The new EHS policy reassesses this issue by reviewing outdoor dining service operations and clarifies requirements for restaurants that want to allow dogs in outdoor dining areas.
EHS assessed the health risks that can be increased with dogs in outdoor dining areas. Through this assessment, EHS identified the types of outdoor dining settings that would present low, minimal or no risk to the public. In these settings, restaurant owners allowing dogs in outdoor dining areas would be required to follow practices to minimize potential risks.
New restaurant inspection criteria were put into place to guide restaurant owners and inspectors. The new policy governing animals in outdoor dining areas can be viewed at www.sbcphd.org/ehs. There is no change for indoor dining areas. Under the Health and Safety Code, the only animals allowed inside restaurants are service animals accompanying persons with disabilities or service animals such as police dogs.
The Public Health Department is responsible for protecting the health and safety of all residents of our community. This is achieved in part by enforcing and interpreting state health codes following a science based process to diminish the potential for disease transmission and to promote food safety, and good health. The Public Health Department's Environmental Health Services division regulates all food facilities in Santa Barbara County. |
