Overview

• Ald. Timmy Knudsen said he will introduce the 'dog-friendly' ordinance at Thursday’s City Council meeting, giving restaurants the option to welcome patrons’ dogs indoors.
• Participating businesses would post entrance signage and follow rules including one dog per table, leashes at all times, rabies vaccination proof and water only for dogs.
• Food preparation areas would remain off-limits, furniture and floors must be hard washable surfaces, and employees must avoid petting or wash hands immediately after any contact.
• The Chicago Department of Public Health and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection would enforce the rules, with fines of $200–$1,000 and possible license suspension for repeat violations.
• Knudsen crafted the proposal with public health officials after inspections at Vanille Patisserie highlighted complaint-driven enforcement; industry leaders back the concept but may seek limits on total dogs.