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Welcome to the Public Health Inspection Division
The mission of the Public Health Division is to protect the health of consumers in Denver by insuring that food service establishments, swimming pools, child care facilities, residential health and housing, emergency vehicles, body art establishments, personal care boarding homes, boarding homes and residential facilities are in compliance with the respective laws while providing public education to consumers and technical assistance to businesses.
As part of the Department of Environmental Health we are committed to directing our efforts toward resolving situations posing the greatest risk to the public health. We seek to render a high level of customer responsiveness and engage in an aggressive industry partnership and training effort in addition to regular inspections and assessments. Please browse our web site for extensive information on our programs.
Denver cafes go to the dogs
Denver’s Board of Environmental Health gave unanimous approval to a rule change October 11, 2007 that will allow coffee shop and café owners to designate their self-serve patios as “dog friendly,” with some health and safety requirements.
Denver Environmental Health’s (DEH) Public Health Inspections staff researched options and proposed the rule change after some residents protested this summer about not being able to take their dogs to local coffee shop patios.
“The rule change allows the business owner to decide whether a dog friendly patio is a good option for their business and also allows the customer to choose whether or not to patronize the business,” said Merril Stern, Board of Environmental Health Chair.
Café owners who want the dog-friendly designation will have to register with Denver Environmental Health and post clearly visible signs at the restaurant and patio entrances, so that customers know they will share the space with dogs.
Other requirements include:
Current Colorado law and Denver Environmental Health rules prohibit live animals (other than service animals) on patios, which are considered an extension of any food establishment. Board members decided to make the new rule effective November 1, to give staff time to set up the registry and publicize the rule change.
Business owners interested in designating their outside dining areas as "dog-friendly" must complete the Denver Outdoor Dining with Dogs Registry form. Signage must be posted with the required language per revised Section 8-106 of the City and County of Denver Retail Food Establishment Regulation. To see sample sign containing the required languages per Section 8-16, please view here. All requirements must be met prior to allowing dogs in outdoor dining area. |