Ohio Department of Health

July 8, 1997

Dear Mr. Shakely:

Your letter regarding the issue of footwear requirements for patrons of food establishments has been forwarded to me for my response. There is no state regulation that requires a patron or customer to wear footwear in a Food Service Operation (restaurant) in the State of Ohio. There may be some local ordinances that would require footwear but it would probably be a requirement in all businesses and not just food operations. It is my experience that most restaurants post signs that say footwear is a health code requirement to enforce their policy and remain blameless if they have a complaint fro someone who wants to be barefoot. The reasons that most establishments require footwear is for insurance purposes to prevent injuries associated with barefoot patrons stepping on glass etc.

You may want to contact the Ohio Department of Agriculture to see if they have any requirements on grocery stores etc. They may be reached at the following address:

Ohio Department of Agriculture
Division of Food, Dairies and Drugs
8995 East Main Street
Reynoldsburg, Ohio 43068

I hope that this is helpful in your research and that I have answered your question. Please feel free to call or write if we may be of assistance in the future.

Sincerely,

Douglas E. Pollitt R.S.
Program Specialist
Bureau of Local Services

cc:	Steve Binns Administrator BLS