Fido and Fluffy allowed on N.C. restaurant patios

Posted to: News North Carolina
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The Associated Press
© September 1, 2010

RALEIGH, N.C.

Pet owners across North Carolina don't have to worry about doggy bags anymore. They now can take their furry friends to join them at some of the state's outdoor restaurants.

A new public health rule that takes effect today gives food service establishments the option to permit dogs and cats in outdoor dining areas. Those pets must be restrained, can't come into contact with food or food preparers and can't come inside.

A state panel last month signed off on the rule designed to make clear the presence of cats and dogs won't lower a restaurant's health inspection grade.

The previous rule only allowed patrol dogs and service animals, but it wasn't always interpreted that way.

The updated rule got approved after many restaurants and bars began advertising "pet-friendly" patios.

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The whining is more

Submitted by michiel923 on Fri, 06/24/2011 at 12:51 pm.

The whining is more distracting than the very high-pitched sound of a table saw perpetually catching on a piece of wood. Thanks for sharing the informative post.
Regards,
Jack - whiny kids

It's clear to me,

Submitted by donvabeach on Wed, 09/01/2010 at 11:08 pm.

that the members of the "state panel" that signed off on this new rule are either clinically insane, or have an unnatural and psychologically distorted attachment to their pets.

I won't go into any restaurant that allows this practise, because I don't need Fluffy's fleas crawling up my leg, while I try to enjoy a juicy steak.

Fido and Fluffy allowed on N.C. restaurant patios ,

Submitted by self ed.opine on Wed, 09/01/2010 at 3:55 pm.

but kindly leave Poopy at home.

Ridiculous!

Submitted by Katetb on Wed, 09/01/2010 at 1:50 pm.

If I am paying for a nice dinner or even a relaxed evening on a patio, I sure don't want to hear whiny barking dogs. Even if they don't make a sound, I will imagine their vermin laden hairs floating around and landing on my plate on in my hair. For Pete's sake people, swooning over your dogs as if they were human children is nauseating. Like other habits that may induce stress or harm to others, like tobacco, just come yourselves and try to be civilized which also means not talking loudly on a cell phone. It seems manners are so passe.

Pets on patio

Submitted by kevinc25630 on Thu, 09/09/2010 at 3:34 pm.

With that attitude you no doubt dine alone frequently. Really, "vermin laden hair"??? Most people who take their pets to public areas have well-behaved pets, more so than those with "whiny" children. Your apparent fear of animals may stress you, but you are in a minority, as pets tend to reduce stress in normal people.