HB209 Alabama 2020 Session

Updated Feb 26, 2026

Notable

Summary

Primary Sponsor: Steve McMillan
Republican
Session: Regular Session 2020
Title: Animals, dogs, allowing a pet dog in an outdoor dining area under certain conditions
Summary: HB 209 would allow pet dogs in the outdoor dining area of a food service establishment if the owner opts in and meets specific rules.
What This Bill Does
If a restaurant chooses to allow dogs, they must file a waiver with the State Health Department agreeing to follow the rules, ensure a separate outdoor entrance, post clear signage, keep dogs off chairs, keep the area away from food prep and beverage areas, maintain cleanliness, and keep dogs leashed or in carriers. Employees may refill beverages at outdoor tables but must avoid direct contact with dogs and wash hands as required. The dog owner is liable for damages caused by the dog. Live animals are generally not allowed inside, except service animals; emotional support animals are prohibited inside. The bill also prevents health departments from banning serving wine or beer in places that allow dogs and meet licensing requirements, and it defines a dog park. The act becomes law on the first day of the third month after passage and governor approval.

Who It Affects
Food service establishments and their employees, who must obtain a waiver, implement the outdoor-dog rules, maintain cleanliness, ensure safety, and may refill beverages at outdoor tables.
Pet dogs and their owners, who may use the outdoor dining area if the establishment opts in and adheres to the specified conditions (leash or carrier, proper supervision, and liability for damages).

Key Provisions
Establishments may allow pet dogs in an outdoor dining area only if the owner elects to do so and files a waiver with the State Health Department agreeing to follow the rules.
The outdoor area must have a separate entrance, display a prominent sign, dog-specific restrictions (no dogs on chairs), must not be used for food preparation or utensil storage, and must be at least 12 feet away from areas where beverages are prepared.
Employees may refill beverages at tables in the outdoor area and must avoid direct contact with dogs; if there is a violation, hands must be washed per food-safety regulations.
The pet dog’s owner is liable for any damages to the establishment's property caused by the dog; the dog must be on a leash or confined in a carrier and under the owner's control.
Live animals are generally not allowed inside a food service establishment, with exceptions for service animals and law-enforcement animals; emotional support animals are not service animals and are prohibited inside.
State or local health departments may not prohibit serving wine or beer in establishments that allow dogs and meet licensing requirements; a dog park is defined for these purposes.
The act becomes effective on the first day of the third month after its passage and governor approval.

AI-generated summary using openai/gpt-5-nano on Feb 22, 2026. May contain errors — refer to the official bill text for accuracy.
Subjects: Animals