June 24, 2002

RE: Your letter dated June 12, 2002 and March 12, 2002.

Dear Mr. Roat,

Your question was "Does the state of Indiana or the Indiana Department of Health have any laws or regulations that requires shoes or other footwear for the general publice (i.e., patrons) in places open to the public such as restaurants, retail establishments, libraries, schools, etc.?" The answer to your question is no. Indiana regulates the business's employees in terms of Occupational Health and Safety or hygiene of food workers, but not the general public. Food employee requirements are under Title 410 IAC 7-20, sections 94-116, see our web site for further information www.state.in.us/isdh/.

Any place of business can request a dress code for their customers at their discretion and post a sign requiring footwear. Occasionally, a sign will indicate it is a health department requirement, however it is actually a management policy.

If you ahve any additional questions please phone us at (317) 233-7360 or email at food@isdh.state.in.us.

Sincerely,

(signed)

Shirley Vargas
Phone (317) 233-7718
Email: svargas@isdh.state.in.us
Food Protection Program
Wholesale Program Manager