Bowling Shoe Law Will Protect Alleys From Lawsuits [Video]

A so-called bowling shoe law is being proposed to help protect alleys from slip and fall lawsuits.

Since it is now illegal for folks to smoke inside bowling alleys, some people decide to take a quick cigarette break outside while wearing the rental shoes. Since smokers will sneak out for a puff regardless of the weather, they often return to the lanes with very wet feet.

According to the New York Daily News, the combination of wax floors and slippery shoes often cause people to take a tumble. As a result, they often file lawsuits against these businesses.

The proposed legislation would require bowling alleys to post signs that ask patrons to not step outside while wearing rental shoes. This would prevent them from being liable for any injuries that may occur on the lanes.

New York State Senator Patrick Gallivan New York State Assemblyman Robin Schimminger are sponsoring the bill. They hope the legislation will cut down on the number of lawsuits these establishments face from bowlers looking to collect some cash from a slip and fall.

Schimminger explained:

“We have legislation that puts warnings on cigarette packages, so there are many laws that that provide for warnings to people to do what is common sense. There may be people who will look up and see the warning sign, and they just might be reminded that it is unsafe with these particular type of shoes that are designed to to slide to begin with.”

The Associated Press reports that bowling shoe lawsuits have increased substantially since smoking inside alleys became illegal. Although most people know not to get bowling shoes wet, the number of businesses getting sued has prompted Gallivan and Schimminger to take action.

Under the proposed law, anyone ignores the signs cannot sue the bowling alley if they accidentally take a stumble while going for the spare. Although Gallivan said the law might seem more than a little silly, apparently some people need to be reminded of things others see as common sense.

“Some things that might seem small to others, might be of significance to another group,” he added.

What do you think of the proposed bowling shoe law?

[Image via Shutterstock.com]