SF4467

Purpose

• To allow dog parks on the premises of restaurants or breweries and to establish minimum health, safety, and welfare requirements for such dog-friendly areas.

Main Provisions

• New Subdivision 1a: Dog parks in restaurants and breweries. Notwithstanding any law to the contrary, a restaurant or brewery may establish a dog park on its premises.
• Amendment to Subdivision 5 (Minimum requirements): The local ordinance must include regulations and limitations deemed reasonably necessary to protect public health, safety, and welfare, with at least the following requirements clearly printed on conspicuously posted signs:
  • Employees must be prohibited from touching, petting, or otherwise handling dogs.
  • Employees and patrons must not allow dogs to come into contact with serving dishes, utensils, tableware, linens, paper products, or any other items involved in food service operations.
  • Patrons must keep their dogs on a leash at all times and under reasonable control, except that dogs may be off leash in a dog park established under Subdivision 1a.
  • Dogs must not be allowed on chairs, tables, or other furnishings.
  • Dog waste must be cleaned immediately and the area sanitized.

Changes to Existing Law

• Adds a new Subdivision 1a to Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 157.175 to permit dog parks within the premises of restaurants or breweries.
• Revisions to Subdivision 5 of section 157.175 to incorporate the listed minimum requirements for dog park areas and associated public health and safety standards.

Compliance and Practical Considerations

• Local governments would regulate how such dog parks are operated within restaurants and breweries through the ordinance and required signage.
• Establishments must ensure staff and patrons follow the specified rules, particularly around interactions with dogs and food-service areas, leash use, and immediate cleanup of waste.

Significance

• Creates a formal framework for allowing dogs in dining-related venues while aiming to protect health and safety and maintain a safe dining environment.

Relevant Terms - dog parks - restaurants - breweries - Notwithstanding any law to the contrary - Minnesota Statutes 2024 section 157.175 - subdivision 1a - subdivision 5 - health safety general welfare - signs - employees - patrons - leash - off leash - dog park - serving dishes - utensils - tableware - linens - paper products - food service operations - dog waste - area sanitized - chairs - tables - furnishings