The Division of Public Health is trying to shed more light on its policy regarding dog-friendly restaurants.
Public Health said it will continue to not enforce a ban on dogs in outdoor restaurant areas until it issues updated guidance - which is expected by the end of the year.
The division is releasing interim guidance after causing outrage among dog lovers earlier this month with a social media post reminding Delawareans live animals are not allowed at restaurants - other than service animals.
That surprised many business owners like Lori Kline, who owns Lori’s Cafe in Rehoboth Beach, because code inspectors were not enforcing it. She said she’s glad public health will continue not enforcing the ban in outdoor areas.
“I don’t see the problem with animals just sitting outside, you know, enjoying the weather, taking a walk," she said. "It’s just ridiculous.”
John Welch and JoAnn Core were having lunch Wednesday on the cafe's patio with their dogs Cheech and Gracie. Core said she believes there can be compromise among customers who disagree on allowing them.
“You designate 3-or-4-or-5 tables that are the “dog-friendly” table area so that maybe even on a bigger patio, people that don’t like dogs would not have to be sitting next to one,” she said.
Public health officials say there are food safety concerns with allowing dogs at restaurants like food contamination or dogs peeing or pooping. But Kline said she’s had more problems with people urinating and vomiting on her patio than she’s had with dogs.
The interim guidance recommends restaurants follow best practices, such as no outside food preparation or storage and not allowing dogs on chairs and tables. It also recommends employers requiring employees to wash their hands after petting the dogs and handling their dishes.
