Related: State may leave it up to restaurant owners to allow dogs on patios
A similar bill is pending in the Ohio House that would block local public health officials from implementing or enforcing bans.
Generally, public health laws prohibit pets on the premises of food service operations or retail food establishments. The ban is to protect against potential food contamination and disease transfer. Coley said restaurants would still have to meet sanitation requirements and would maintain the right to refuse service pets that appear “flea ridden” or unhealthy.
Related: Health department: Pets not allowed on patios
But in recent years some states, including New York and California, have loosened or eliminated the ban.
Julie Keys of Columbus-based Land Grant Brewing said dogs had been welcome on the bar patio until last summer when public health officials notified restaurants of the current restrictions. If Coley’s bill becomes law, the craft brewery would be able to return to its pet-friendly policy, she said.
Related: Local senator says legislation needed after dog mauling death
Coley said he isn’t ready to expand the policy to indoor areas of restaurants. “Let’s walk before we run,” he said.
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