Colorado § 25-4-1615 - Pet dogs in retail food establishments - prohibited - exceptions.
Full text of Colorado Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-4-1615 — Pet dogs in retail food establishments - prohibited - exceptions., with citation guidance and answers to common questions.
§ 25-4-1615. Pet dogs in retail food establishments - prohibited - exceptions.
(1) Except as specified in subsection (3) of this section, a person may have a pet dog in an outdoor dining area of a retail food establishment if:
(a) The retail food establishment elects to allow pet dogs in its outdoor dining area;
(b) A separate entrance is present through which the pet dog enters and exits the outdoor dining area without passing through the retail food establishment;
(c) The person does not allow the pet dog on chairs, benches, seats, or other furniture or fixtures;
(d) The outdoor dining area is not used for food or drink preparation; except that an employee of the retail food establishment may refill a beverage glass in the outdoor dining area from a pitcher or other container;
(e) The pet dog is on a leash or confined in a pet carrier and is under the control of a person;
(f) The licensee of the retail food establishment ensures compliance with local ordinances related to sidewalks, public nuisances, and sanitation; and
(g) The retail food establishment is in compliance with any other control measures approved by the county or district public health agency.
(2) A person who brings a pet dog in an outdoor dining area in accordance with this section is responsible for the behavior of that pet dog.
(3) (a) The governing body of a city, county, or city and county may prohibit the presence of pet dogs in outdoor dining areas of retail food establishments located within the governing body's jurisdiction.
(b) A retail food establishment may elect not to allow pet dogs in its outdoor dining area.
(4) Nothing in this section is intended to restrict the presence of a service animal, as defined in section 24-34-301.
Source: L. 2020: Entire section added, (SB 20-078) ch. 66, p. 267, § 1, effective September 14. L. 2023: (4) amended, (HB 23-1296), ch. 269, p. 1600, § 8, effective May 25.
Source: official Colorado text · Last verified 2026-08-27
Frequently Asked Questions About Colorado § 25-4-1615
What does Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-4-1615 cover?
Section 25-4-1615 ("Pet dogs in retail food establishments - prohibited - exceptions.") is part of the Colorado Revised Statutes, the codified statutory law of Colorado. It sets out the legal rule or procedure described in the text above. Statutes are amended regularly, so always verify against the official source.
How do I cite Colorado § 25-4-1615?
A common citation format is "Colorado Revised Statutes § 25-4-1615" (Colorado). Legal writing may require the code abbreviation, section number, and year or edition. Match the style required by your court, professor, or publisher.
Is this the official text of Colorado law?
No. This page is for research and education and may not include the most recent amendments. For official current law, check the Colorado official source linked on this page or consult a licensed Colorado attorney.
How does Colorado § 25-4-1615 apply to my situation?
Statutes are interpreted in context, and application depends on your specific facts. Only a licensed attorney in Colorado can advise on how this section applies to you. Contact your state or local bar association for a referral.
Sources & Verification
Not legal advice. Verify against the official source and consult a licensed attorney in Colorado.