Beginning next month, Emerald Coast pet owners may have the opportunity to dine with their furry sidekicks.
Gov. Jeb Bush recently signed a new bill that goes into effect on July 1 that establishes a three-year pilot program that allows restaurants to permit partons' dogs at designated outdoor portions of their establishments. After the trial period, the bill will be re-visited to determine if it will be extended.
Each local government would decide whether to participate in the program, but individual restaurant owners would not be required to adopt the new law. Owners would still have it in their discretion to allow or not allow doggy diners.
Pet owners would have to keep their pets on a leash and agree to clean up after them.
Restaurant employees will be directed to limit their contact with canine patrons and to wash their hands after petting any dining dogs. They are also to not allow any dogs to "come into contact with serving dishes, utensils, tableware, linens, paper products, or any other items involved in food service operations." That means patrons are not allowed to feed their pets from the table.
Outdoor dining areas must also have a separate entrance since dogs will not be allowed in any indoor portion of the restaurant.
Previously, state health regulations would only allow restaurants to admit service animals. Under the new law, restaurants will still have to regulate and enforce health standards if allowing pets in any outdoor dining area.
Clint, a manager at the Hard Rock Cafe in the Destin Commons shopping mall, said he wasn't sure if that establishment would participate in the new dining designation. He added that health codes would have to be looked at and corporate heads would eventually make the final decision.
Having just moved to the area from Key West, Clint said restaurants there already allow the practice, but he had not given the new law any thought.
Rodney Love, manager at Beef O'Brady's at the Market Shops in Sandestion, also said he was not familiar with the wording of the bill, but he would not be opposed to adopting the new rule.
"I have not given it a thought, but I would not be opposed to it as long as everything was kept clean." Love said. "We'll do what we can to service our customers."
While area restaurant managers are non-committal, local diners have some very definite opinions.
Rachel Atkins, of Niceville, and a dog owner, said she wasn't sure what Bush's reasoning was for the new law, but thinks it is "odd."
"I will probably not be a big fan of it," Atkins said. "If the dog is well behaved, I would not have problem with it, but that may not always be the case."
Brooke Smith, owner of Cadyllac, a year old Shih Tzu/poodle mix, loves the idea of dining with her pet.
“I think it’s a great idea,” Smith said. “I think people should take into consideration how well behaved their dog is. It’s the same thing as children. If they are well behaved take them. If not, leave them at home.
“I hate leaving (Cadyllac) at home. If I could take him with me, I’d love that.”
Pia Elsessor, of Niceville, has lived in England where it was commonplace for patrons to bring their pets into the local pubs.
"I think it is a bad idea," she said. "Pet owners don't always clean up after their dogs. I don't think there is any place for (dogs), except for service animals, in a restaurant."
Dick Ferguson, retired Air Force, experienced a similar pet provision while stationed in Germany.
"I've seen some pretty obedient dogs," he said. He added that in one German restaurant he frequented, one couple would drop their pet off at the door. The dog would go inside and select a table, and then wait for them as they parked their car.
"If it is outside, and the dogs are well-behaved and not begging at your table, I'm okay with it," Ferguson said. "In that capacity, I think it’s a good thing."
The bill is nicknamed the Dixie Cup Clary Local Control Act in honor of the bill's sponsor Sen. Charlie Clary's own dog.
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