The Delaware Division of Public Health is reminding restaurants and customers that it is illegal for dogs to accompany their owners to outdoor dining spots, a move that is sure to draw angry calls from the growing number of dog lovers.

Dogs and their owners have become commonplace in outdoor dining areas, with establishments sometimes supplying water bowls.

“While DPH recognizes concerns food establishments and patrons may have about this issue, this is not a recent update to the food code. The Delaware Food Code prohibits pets – with the exception of service animals – in food establishments, which include outdoor service areas. To date, inspectors have not strictly enforced the outdoor portion of the food code. In an effort to protect the health and safety of dining patrons, we are revisiting the code and associated policies related to this issue,” DHSS stated in a Facebook post that drew hundreds of comments.