Thank you for your letter of April 23, 1998. As a general rule, regulations from the Oklahoma State Board of Health do not address the wearing of shoes by patrons. Please keep in mind that the Department of Health does not regulate all establishments in Oklahoma. Some of the reasons that establishments may require shoes to be worn in the establishment are to limit their liability or to maintain a code of dress among the patrons. If you have a particular establishment type in mind (such a s a hospital, physician's office, or clothing store), this office can assist you in determining if the establishment type is regulated by the Department of Health and if there is anything in the regulations that speak to the subject of patron attire. If this office can be of further assistance, please contact us at (405) 271-5243.

Sincerely,