Patio Guidelines

The weather is getting warmer and due to an increase in inquiries regarding patio rules, we have put together the following guidelines.

Pets and Service Animals

Can my pet sit on a bar or restaurant patio?

What is a service animal? 

  • A service animal is defined as a dog that is individually trained to do work or perform tasks for a person with disabilities.
  • A service animal is not a pet.
  • An animal whose sole function is to provide comfort or emotional support does not qualify as a service animal under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
  • Under the ADA, a service animal must be under control.

Where can a service animal go?

  • Under the ADA, state and local governments, businesses, and non-profit organizations that serve the public generally must allow service animals to accompany people with disabilities in all areas of the facility where the public is normally allowed to go. 
  • An establishment that sells or prepares food must allow service animals in public areas. 

For more information about these guidelines or the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please visit or call: 

  • ADA.gov
  • Voice:  800-514-0301
  • TTY:  800-514-0383

Iowa Department of Inspections and Appeals:  https://dia.iowa.gov/ 

Smoke Free Air Act (SFAA)

  • The SFAA requires businesses, state, county, and city governments to post "No Smoking" signs at every entrance to places where smoking is prohibited. 

Bars with No Food

  • Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of a bar.  This includes offices, doorways, restrooms, hallways and storage rooms. 
  • Smoking is not regulated in unenclosed outdoor patios or outdoor areas of the bar.

Restaurants With or Without Alcohol

  • Smoking is prohibited in all enclosed areas of a restaurant.  This includes kitchens, offices, doorways, restrooms, hallways and storage areas. 
  • Smoking is regulated in any outdoor areas of the restaurantwhere seating or service of food or drink takes place. 
  • Smoking is not regulated in a defined outdoor area with no seating or service of food or drinks.

For more information about the regulations or the SFAA please visit or call:

Please call the Scott County Health Department with any questions:  563-326-8618.  We look forward to working with you to assure safe and enjoyable outdoor dining options in our community. 

Attachments: 
PDF icon Patio Guidelines Letter
Posted: 
April 21, 2017
Health Department