I agree for the most part and I don't get the paranoia about dogs (well behaved, smaller ones) being in restaurants. I mean, I understand the concerns for "health and cleanliness" but look at Europe. When I was in Paris, most if not all restaurants allowed dogs INSIDE. They even sit at the table. I've even seen dogs eating pate off a plate on the table (that may be going a bit too far imo lol).
But the point is, I doubt any of those people are getting cases of food poisoning or other health concerns over it. Obviously, if the dogs are acting up, then they would be asked to leave (with their owners of course lol).
I think if they are in carriers or strollers, they should be allowed in stores, etc. Besides, guide dogs are allowed in all these public places and they don't magically become any "cleaner" than other dogs because they happen to be service dogs....
Just my opinion.
D-
PS> about the allergy issue, so many people play the allergy card and frankly, I'm not that sympathetic. There seems to be an expectation of accomadation for people with allergies, etc. and I don't know if I agree...I mean, if I'm allergic to perfumes I don't expect everybody to stop wearing perfumes, I just avoid going to places with a lot of scents. Because that is my issue not everybody else's. I hate when people make a big deal and then cough and sputter and act all dramatic because they're allergic to perfume/scents and expect everybody else to bend over backwards for them. Hee, sorry to go on...it's an issue that bugs me (we share office space with people who are "sensitive" to fragrances and the histrionics bothers me LOL).