Senators and a constituent told the joint committee that Senate Bill 158, which would require restaurants and places open to the public that serve food to have at least 5 percent of chairs with arms or armchairs available on site by request, would address a common mobility and safety problem for older and physically disabled diners.

Senator Lovely, who filed S.158 by request, said the bill responds to constituents who face real risk when chairs without arms force patrons to use tables to lever themselves up, which can tip and cause falls. She said the bill covers restaurants, cafeterias, bars and similar places open to the public.

Catherine Fritz of Peabody testified that her adult son, Vincent, had to stop going to restaurants because he could not safely get up and down from armless chairs. Fritz told the committee she received the invitation to testify the day after her son died and that dining out had been one of his few pleasures. “With the minimal investment restaurants could welcome everyone who wants to come,” Fritz said.

Committee members expressed condolences and thanked Fritz for testifying. No formal committee vote or amendment was taken during the hearing.