It’s the dog days of summer — and restaurant owners couldn’t be happier.
The recently passed state law that allows New Yorkers to bring their pups to outdoor cafes has been a boon for business, many restaurant owners told the Daily News.
“It’s great,” said Justin Sievers, 32, the general manager of Bar Primi in the East Village.
“It’s totally in line with what our society is into. As the popularity of dogs grows, why shouldn’t they be allowed to join their owners?”
His restaurant celebrated the change in the law by offering canine-accompanied diners special dog bowls engraved with “Drinkin’ on the Bow-wow-ry.”
The new law — which the state Legislature enacted earlier this year — allows dogs in outdoor eateries as long as there is no food prep in the cafe.
Previously, some cafes skirted the law by allowing dogs on the sidewalks next to tables, which meant they were technically outside the restaurant.
Now, they can be anywhere in a cafe, as long as they are leashed or in a carrier.
Dogs are still not allowed indoors at restaurants.
The city Health Department had fought against the law before it passed over sanitary concerns, and had initially wanted eateries to check that dogs were licensed and had rabies shots.
Officials dropped those rules for less stringent guidelines — like signs telling owners their pooches must be licensed — and now say they have had no complaints or problems with the new bill.
“The Health Department adopted common-sense rules agreeable to restaurant and dog owners that also placed a priority on public health,” a department spokesman said.
Restaurant managers haven’t reported any animal-like behavior from their furry guests, either.
“As a dog owner you know how your dog behaves in public,” said Kara Olsen, who works in guest relations at the restaurant Gemma at the Bowery Hotel.
As for sanitary concerns, she said, “They’re not eating off the plates.”
Assemblywoman Linda Rosenthal (D-Manhattan), who sponsored the doggie dining law, said she has received a lot of positive feedback.
She has, however, heard from dog owners who want the rules to go one step further and allow critters inside restaurants.
“Since I’ve passed this law, I’ve heard from so many people who have been to Europe, particularly France, where (animals) can sit at the table,” said Rosenthal.
That’s not happening, she said.
“Some people would love it, but there’s no plans,” she said.
(nydailynews)
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