TRENTON, NJ — Assemblyman Clinton Calabrese, alongside co-sponsor Assemblyman Freiman, has put forward a legislative proposal known as “Chloe’s Pet Access Law,” aimed at formally allowing dogs in the outdoor seating areas of restaurants under specific conditions. This bill, inspired by the family dog Chloe and her owners’ advocacy, seeks to codify existing practices regarding animals in food establishments, as outlined in the New Jersey Administrative Code.
The proposed law would enable dogs to accompany their owners in designated outdoor dining spaces of food establishments, provided that their presence does not lead to food contamination, clean equipment, utensils, linens, and unwrapped single-use items.
Furthermore, the bill delineates the circumstances under which live animals may be present on the premises of a food establishment. These circumstances include the containment of animals within aquariums or display tanks, their roles as patrol animals accompanying police or security officers, their service as assistance animals, and their presence in common areas of group residences.
Additionally, “Chloe’s Pet Access Law” outlines conditions specifically for the inclusion of pet dogs in outdoor dining areas and regulates the storage of live or dead fish bait within food establishments to prevent contamination. This legislation marks a significant step towards accommodating pet owners while ensuring sanitary conditions in food service environments.