With the warm weather upon us, some New Yorkers will be thrilled at the new ‘Dining With Dogs' rule that allow canines into certain defined outdoor dining areas.

The New York City rules clarify that participating restaurants allowing dogs in outdoor areas must post a sign to alert customers that the pets must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies–though restaurants will not be required to verify any paperwork.

"I'm so pleased that the City Department of Health threw dog lovers a bone," said the bill's sponsor, Assemblymember Linda B. Rosenthal. "These proposed regulations are common sense measures designed to protect the public health while allowing New Yorkers to dine with their dogs."

Restaurants must also use barriers or other methods to limit contact between dogs in the outdoor dining area and dogs and people on an adjacent sidewalk. The rule will be effective 30 days from March 15.

Photo by Thomas Hawk, CC