NC reconsiders ban on pets at outdoor restaurants

RALEIGH, N.C. — Maybe it’s not so bad to bring Fido when dining at outdoor tables at North Carolina restaurants.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported Wednesday that health officials are proposing a rule to allow pets to come to the table at outdoor restaurants as long as they don’t go inside or contaminate the food.

Wake County health inspectors began telling some restaurant owners last fall that pets are not allowed in outdoor dining areas.

Hundreds of people complained to the Food Protection Branch of Environmental Health, saying their animals were less likely to cause food illnesses than some restaurant workers.

The new rule would allow restaurant owners to decide what pets, if any, to allow. Pets would have to stay outside, unless they are service animals.

A hearing will be held Feb.16.

Information from: The News & Observer

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