Your letter of August 14, 1996, addressed to Dr. Daniel Hoffman, Acting Secretary, Pennsylvania Department of Health, has been referred to me for reply.

      For your information, there is no Commonwealth law or regulation that requires patrons in restaurants or customers in retail establishments to have on shoes or other footwear. Local jurisdictions (Boroughs, first class townships, third class cities) may enact ordinances requiring certain dress codes, but it is not a state requirement.

      Many establishments post signs saying "No shirt, no shoes, no service" based on the requirements of their insurance coverage. However, those that add the words "It's the law" may be stretching the truth.

Sincerely, Kenneth W. Hohe. MSEH Sanitarian Program Specialist Division of Food Control