Elevate your local knowledge

Sign up for the iNFOnews newsletter today!

Select Region

Selecting your primary region ensures you get the stories that matter to you first.

Sit! Stay! NYC dogs to get place at the table at restaurants

CP36749548
FILE - In this May 19, 2015 file photo, Michelle Vargas, with, from left, 8-year-old Bichon Frise-Poodle mix "Carmine," 11-year-old Wire Haired Terrier "Lucy," and 10-year-old Shih Tzu-Poodle mix "Luigi," visit a cafe in a Manhattan park, on New York\'s Upper West Side. New York City restaurants with outdoor tables will soon be able to welcome four-legged guests under new rules announced by the city Health Department.The regulations announced Tuesday March 15, 2016, will permit dogs that are licensed and vaccinated against rabies to join their human chowhounds at participating restaurants. (AP Photo/Richard Drew, File)

NEW YORK, N.Y. – New York City restaurants with outdoor tables will soon be able to welcome four-legged guests under new rules announced by the city Health Department.

The regulations announced Tuesday will permit dogs that are licensed and vaccinated against rabies to join their human chowhounds at participating restaurants.

The state Legislature passed a law last year allowing municipalities to set their own rules for dogs in outdoor dining areas.

The bill’s sponsor, Democratic Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal, says she’s pleased that the city Health Department “threw dog lovers a bone.”

City Health Commissioner Dr. Mary Bassett says the new rules will go into effect in 30 days, just in time for outdoor dining season.

New York City restaurants were previously required to restrict dogs to the area outside the patio railing.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

Create a free account

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.

Related Articles