“Dining with Dogs Emergency Hearing and Vote Tuesday, October 3rd”

Photo by PoPville flickr user Josh

Thanks to all who passed on from Councilmember Nadeau’s office:

“The “Dining with Dogs on Patios Emergency Act of 2017” will be introduced and voted on by the entire DC Council on Tuesday, October 3, 2017 at 10AM.

The bill was introduced by Councilmember Vincent Gray (Ward 7) and co-introduced by Councilmembers Brianne Nadeau (Ward 1), Charles Allen (Ward 6), and Brandon Todd (Ward 4).

This legislation requires nine councilmembers to pass in order for restaurants to again have the discretion to allow dogs on outdoor restaurant patios.

If this bill passes:

· Restaurant owners will have the option to allow dogs on their outdoor patios provided that the dogs are in either their carrier or on a leash;

· Restaurant owners could also refuse dogs based on the size, breed, and temperament;

· If dogs are allowed on a patio, there would be a separate entrance to any outdoor seating areas or unenclosed sidewalk cafés so that the dogs would not have to walk through the establishment; and

· Dog owners would also be required to keep their pets under supervision at all times on the outdoor patio.”