Panelists answered a question on whether they agree with a new state law allowing dogs on restaurant patios.
Ruth Erickson: “The new pro-pooch patio policy, AB 1965, going into effect Jan. 1 says that diner’s dogs going onto restaurant patios must be well behaved, not be in the same area as food preparation, must stay outdoors and be on a leash. It should go further to stipulate that the patio needs its own entrance besides the one from the restaurant, and that the dog should lie down under the diner’s seat or table and not sit on a restaurant chair at the table. If all the rules are followed with common-sense thoughts for other diners, the idea could be a good one for diners and doggies! It already works well in other countries.
Bill Mifsud: “No. I love man’s best friend but not at the side of my dinner table when eating. I am sure there is exceptions for service animals and that is fine for me but I don’t want a kennel at my feet when dining out.”
Marty Richman: “Yes – and no one ever lost an election by being a dog lover. The laws should concentrate on cleanliness and processing from storage, through preparation, to serving. Concentrating on cleanliness and correct processing will significantly reduce the chances of all contamination.”
Mary Zanger: “No. Not all dogs are cute, clean, well behaved and loving. Hygienically dogs can poop anytime making smells and footsteps hazardous. Animal hair in air after a good dog shake or roll can land in the soup. Eating areas should always be clean and free of ‘off’ odors to assure appetite. Disease or allergy from our animals always lurks.”
Jim West: “No! And I say that as someone for whom dogs have been part of my household all my life. I currently have two beautiful labradors. But while I love my dogs, I don’t like yours, I don’t trust yours, and I really don’t want any dogs – your of mine – around when I’m eating in a restaurant.”
