In Ireland, cafes and bars are in a difficult position. They often would like to have owners and their pets as customers. However the laws are not clear. Two pieces of legislation make reference to domestic animals in food establishments: A 2004 act from the European Council and Ireland’s food hygiene regulations that date back to 1950. It seems to be an interpretation of these laws that the Food Safety of Ireland have instructed cafes not to allow animals into their premises.
Some cafe owners have a different interpretation of the law and see no restriction on having a dog friendly cafe or pub. So there are a handful of cafes and pubs who have persisted to welcome dogs into their premises. They have had no objections from the authorities lately.
Italy, Germany, France, Austria and France are among many countries that allow dogs to be accompanied into restaurannts. So why not Ireland too?
Since research has shown that owning a pet is good for your health, lets hope that in the future we can be free to bring them into cafes and pubs too.
