Dogs across the state are wagging their tails following the passage of new legislation that lets them dine with their owners on outdoor restaurant patios.

Dog and restaurant owners are pretty happy, too.

At 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2, on the outdoor patio of Wolff’s Biergarten in Schenectady, Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara will join business owners and leaders – and their canine companions – for a press event to celebrate the new law, which was signed by the governor on Monday. The legislation (A.5956), which Santabarbara co-sponsored, gives restaurants the option of letting dogs join their owners in outside areas.

“This legislation gives our restaurants the flexibility to attract new customers and provide an enjoyable pet-friendly dining experience,” said Santabarbara, who will be bringing his teacup Yorkie, Muffie, to the event. “For most dog owners like myself, pets are part of the family, and now the entire family can go out for a bite to eat at local restaurants like this one.”

He added, “I’m inviting members of the media to join us in celebrating this dog-friendly law, and I encourage them to bring their own furry friends as well.”

Biergarten owner Matt Baumgartner will be bringing his 4-year-old black lab, Frank, who is already becoming a regular at his various Capital Region establishments.

“He always tags along with me,” he said. “I’m very excited about dogs now being allowed to come to Biergarten in Schenectady and Albany, as well as The Old English Pub in Albany and Bombers in Troy. When dogs come to the restaurants, everyone lights up. This will be a great addition.”

Sara Mae Hickey, owner of Puzzles Bakery and Café on State Street in Schenectady, plans to bring her 5-month-old border collie, Arwen.

“As a dog lover, I’m glad to see that there are more options for people who want to bring their dogs with them wherever they go and possibly dine side-by-side with them,” Hickey said. “As a business owner, I have an outdoor patio, and I’ve always said that our patio is dog friendly for friendly dogs.”

WHAT: Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara joins business owners and leaders to celebrate and educate the public on a new law that allows dogs to dine with their owners on outdoor restaurant patios.

WHO: Assemblyman Santabarbara and his teacup Yorkie, Muffie; restaurateur Matt Baumgartner and his black lab, Frank; Puzzles Bakery and Café owner Sara Mae Hickey and her border collie, Arwen; restaurant patrons and their dogs; representatives from the Capital Region Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Schenectady Improvement Corporation and other special canine cameos.

WHERE: Outdoor patio of Wolff’s Biergarten, 165 Erie Blvd., Schenectady.

WHEN: 10 a.m. Monday, Nov. 2