Starting on January 1, 2015 California dogs will be allowed to dine al fresco as long as they are wearing leashes or are relaxing in a carrier.
California diners will legally enjoy a meal on a restaurant patio with their dogs, under a law signed on Thursday by Governor Jerry Brown that eliminates health code regulations banning restaurant owners from allowing dogs on the premises.
When it comes to pets in restaurants, America’s regulations are confusing. Although federal law does not ban domesticated animals from restaurants, the Food and Drug Administration discourages pet-friendly policies. Many states, therefore, prohibit them. However, they are undermined by more tolerant rules at the local level. Austin, for example, allows dogs on restaurant patios, though Texas does not.
This leads to confusion. Len Kain, who runs a website that lists dog-friendly establishments, says, “If you poll 50 health inspectors in a particular area on whether pets are allowed, you’ll get 20 yeses and 30 noes.”
“We’re thrilled that starting next year restaurants will have more freedom to determine for themselves the customers they’d like to serve,” said Angelica Pappas, spokeswoman for the California Restaurant Association.
The law will allow dogs on restaurant patios if there is a separate entrance where they can enter the outdoor area without entering the restaurant building.
Dogs will not be allowed to sit on chairs or make direct contact with servers or cooks. Pet owners will be liable for any property damage their dogs cause.
The law will not require local governments to allow pets on the restaurant patios, so some may still ban them.
Assembly member Mariko Yamada championed the bill from the outset. In a message posted on her Facebook page, she said “Amidst all the horrific and depressing news around us, I hope this bill helps make people a little happier, and businesses who wish to accommodate diners with dogs safe from being unnecessarily cited.”
David Wiesner, chef and owner of Siena Bistro in Willow Glen started a pro-doggy patio policy some years ago. According to Wiesner, “The law going into effect in January is the law that I thought was already in effect.”
Along with Wiesner, many other California restaurant owners believed that there weren’t any laws against having your dog dine with you outdoors. Now, they are 100% sure of it!
edited from The Economist
