I am writing in response to your letter to Dr. Sandra Nichols, Director, Arkansas Department of Health. Your letter requested information regarding the regulation of shoes worn by customers in food establishments.

The "No Shoes, No Shirt, No Service, by Order of the Health Department" has no validity in the State of Arkansas. There is no Health Department regulation in place that requires any specific type of clothing be worn by the customers in a food establishment. This is generally a company policy, and the words "by Order of the Health Department" are used to regulate their policy. Unfortunately, the public perceives this statement as a regulation of the health department, when in fact it is not.

I hope this answers your question satisfactorily. If I can be of further assistance please contact me at 501-661-2171.

Sincerely,