During the summer months, there's nothing quite like enjoying lunch or a cooling beverage at an outdoor café, watching the world go by as you sample the menu. If you're a pet parent, you'll know that taking in such moments with your beloved pup are hard to beat. Well, residents of New York rejoice. A new state law passed recently will allow pet parents to take their pooches to outdoor cafés with them – a move being welcomed by NYC café owners.
Justin Sievers, the General Manager of Bar Primi in the East Village, told the New York Daily News: "It's great. It's totally in line with what our society is into. As the popularity of dogs grows, why shouldn't they be allowed to join their owners?"
The new law isn't without its conditions, as dogs are only allowed to join their pet parents if there is no food prep at the café, and there must be signs present reminding people to license their pups. The Health Department had thought long and hard about this legislation before making any amendments, since public safety and hygiene are of huge concern. "The Health Department adopted common-sense rules agreeable to restaurant and dog owners that also placed a priority on public health," explained a Department spokesperson.
With this change in mind, are there any plans to extend the law to allow pups inside cafés? Many visitors to Europe have remarked upon relaxed attitudes to doggy diners and would love to allow their own pets to join them as they enjoy a meal. Linda Rosenthal, the assemblywoman who sponsored New York's new dining law, says not: "Some people would love it, but there's no plans."
Last year we reported on the opening of America's very first dog café in Los Angeles, California, so we think it's great that more restaurants in the U.S. are becoming pet-friendly and that laws are changing to support them. What are your thoughts? As a puppy pet parent, do you enjoy meals with your furry friend, or like the idea of taking them with you when you eat out? We'd love to hear your thoughts on this!
Photo ©iStock.com/Vesnaandjic
