N.Y. Public Health Law Section 1311
Hand washing facilities at certain public establishments featuring animals

1.

All public establishments including, but not limited to, carnivals, fairs and amusement parks, as such terms are defined in Labor Law § 870-C (Definitions)section eight hundred seventy-c of the labor law, farms, and farmers’ markets, as such term is defined in Agriculture & Markets Law § 260 (Definitions)section two hundred sixty of the agriculture and markets law, which feature displays of live animals that patrons may reasonably be expected to come into physical contact with for the purpose of touching, holding or petting shall provide hand washing or hand cleansing facilities for such patrons. Hand washing or hand cleansing facilities may be temporary or permanent fixtures and shall include one or more of the following: soap and running water; anti-bacterial fluids, foams or gels; or anti-bacterial or antiseptic wipes or towels.

2.

Signs shall be conspicuously posted and shall state in a clear and legible typeface, the following: “Animals may carry germs and bacteria that can cause disease to people. It is strongly recommended that persons wash or cleanse their hands after touching, holding or petting the animals.” Such signs shall also indicate where the hand washing or hand cleansing facility is located.

3.

The commissioner may make rules guarding against the spread of bacteria and viruses at public establishments that feature animals as provided in subdivision one of this section, to persons employed at or to patrons of such establishments where such establishments are located outside the city of New York, and where such establishments are located within the city of New York, the commissioner of public health of the city of New York may make and enforce such rules.

Source: Section 1311 — Hand washing facilities at certain public establishments featuring animals, https://www.­nysenate.­gov/legislation/laws/PBH/1311 (updated Mar. 27, 2015; accessed Nov. 8, 2025).

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Verified:
Nov. 8, 2025

Last modified:
Mar. 27, 2015

§ 1311. Hand washing facilities at certain public establishments featuring animals's source at nysenate​.gov

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