A heads up for dog lovers: Michigan residents might be able to soon dine out with their pooch. Bills to allow dogs on restaurant patios is back up for debate.
Senate Bill 122 and House Bill 4187 were introduced this week and would allow dogs to dine with their owners on patios under certain conditions:
- Dogs would not be allowed to walk through the interior of the restaurant to get to the patio.
-The owner has to have the animal under control
-Dogs would not be allowed to sit on a chair,or on the customer's lap. The dog also cannot touch the tabletop.
-Restaurants would have to keep patios clean and clear of waste.
-If a server touches a dog or cleans up waste, they must wash their hands before serving food or beverages.
-Dogs wouldn't be allowed in any area where food is prepared, and would never be unattended or with anyone younger than 18 years old.
Local communities could pass their own ordinances to keep dogs banned from patios. Some Michigan restaurants already allow dogs, but it's technically illegal.
