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Dogs Can Now Legally Dine Outdoors at New York Restaurants

By Emily Frost | October 27, 2015 12:14pm
 Dogs are now officially allowed in outdoor cafes across the state.
Dogs are now officially allowed in outdoor cafes across the state.
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Flickr/Ed Yourdon

UPPER WEST SIDE — How about a side of biscuits with those fries?

Dogs can now legally dine with their owners at outdoor restaurants thanks to legislation signed into law Tuesday by Gov. Andrew Cuomo.

The bill, introduced by Asssemblywoman Linda Rosenthal this year, makes it legal for dining establishments across the state to permit dogs in their outdoor spaces, which was previously prohibited. 

It will ultimately be up to restaurant owners to set their own policies on whether dogs are allowed outside, according to the law. 

“Restaurant owners can now cash in on all the doting dog owners throughout our state who had previously stayed home just to be with their pup," Rosenthal said, adding that the pooches can now be treated like the family members they are.

The new law, effective immediately, only permits canines to dine out and does not include other animals. 

Rosenthal said the jury is still out on whether a bill will be introduced permitting other pets to eat out with their owners after a woman was spotted dining with her cat at the Upper West Side restaurant RedFarm this past May.

“My cats, Vita and Marlow, prefer to take their meals at home,” the assemblywoman said. 

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