Seventeen states in the U.S., including Kentucky and Ohio, allow dogs to hang out in outdoor dining areas. But indoors? That’s a ruff one.
A new bill from Louisville state Sen. Denise Harper Angel would allow dogs to join their humans inside Kentucky restaurants. The restaurants and owners, however, would have to abide by certain rules.
It’s the FDA’s Food Code that prohibits dogs from chilling under the tables at your favorite local diner in most circumstances (Service dogs are allowed).
Most states adhere to this rule, although Florida passed a bill in 2006 that allowed local units of government to adopt their own indoor dining dog rules.
Harper Angel’s bill would allow Kentucky restaurants to apply for a “dog friendly” designation if they meet certain requirements.
If involved with the preparation or handling of food, restaurant employees would have to avoid touching dogs. They’d also have to make sure dogs didn’t come into contact with any food, tableware, linens and the like.
Additionally, restaurants would be required to display signage, identifying themselves as a dog-friendly establishment and telling customers to keep dogs leashed and off chairs, seats and tables.
Restaurants could refuse to serve patrons if their dog is a threat and if the owner doesn’t exercise reasonable control over the pooch.
Harper Angel’s bill has yet to be assigned to a committee.
This story was originally published by CityBeat sister paper LEO Weekly.
Stay connected with CityBeat. Subscribe to our newsletters, and follow us on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Google News, Apple News and Reddit.
Send CityBeat a news or story tip or submit a calendar event.
