State wades into unenforced ban on dogs in restaurants

LEWES, Del. – For years now people at certain restaurants have been able to hang out with their furry friends, but now that is all about to change.

“Well it’s a shame,” said Alison Hancock, a vacationer.

Just a few days ago, the Delaware Division of Public Health released a statement saying pets and their owners will no longer be grabbing a bite to eat together at restaurants while outside.

“I don’t know why,” said the Co-Owner of The Wheelhouse Restaurant and Bar, Chris Jacona.

“I believe nobody has complained until now about that substantially,” said Jacona.

According to health officials, someone complained that a restaurant was not following the state’s code, which says pets with the exception of service animals present a health hazard to people.

“We practice safe precautions here for the public health, but pets in certain areas are going to not affect sanitary in my eyes, in my opinion,” said Jacona.

Health officials say inspectors never enforced the outdoor portion of the code because they felt it was necessary to accommodate the outdoor dining.

“We do adoption fundraisers here for pets that we’ll not be able to do anymore,” said Jacona.

Some restaurant owners believe this change could also affect their sales.

“Just in the comments we’ve received on Facebook and social media there are people who say that they’re not coming here anymore because of that,” said Jacona.

“It definitely would make me think twice because we go there because we can bring our dog,” said Hancock.

Following this notice some restaurant owners say they will do all they can to help change this ruling in the future.

Although some restaurants say they have already stopped welcoming dogs, health officials say inspectors can continue to accommodate until more discussions around the policies take place.