Sec. 437.025.  REQUIREMENTS FOR DOGS IN OUTDOOR DINING AREAS; MUNICIPAL PREEMPTION.  (a)  A food service establishment may permit a customer to be accompanied by a dog in an outdoor dining area if:
(1)  the establishment posts a sign in a conspicuous location in the area stating that dogs are permitted;
(2)  the customer and dog access the area directly from the exterior of the establishment;
(3)  the dog does not enter the interior of the establishment;
(4)  the customer keeps the dog on a leash and controls the dog;
(5)  the customer does not allow the dog on a seat, table, countertop, or similar surface; and
(6)  in the area, the establishment does not:
(A)  prepare food; or
(B)  permit open food other than food that is being served to a customer.
(b)  A municipality may not adopt or enforce an ordinance, rule, or similar measure that imposes a requirement on a food service establishment for a dog in an outdoor dining area that is more stringent than the requirements described by Subsection (a).
(c)  The requirements described by Subsection (a) do not apply to a service animal, as defined by Section 437.023(c).
Added by Acts 2019, 86th Leg., R.S., Ch. 423 (S.B. 476), Sec. 1, eff. September 1, 2019.