Keep dogs out of restaurants

says the Star-advertiser:

Dogs are increasingly an important part of many people’s lives. Among the bits of evidence backing up this observation: U.S. spending on pets has risen from $17 billion in 1994 to an estimated $72 billion in 2018, according to the nonprofit American Pet Products Association.

It’s fine to traverse Hawaii’s streets and parks tethered together by old-fashioned dog leash; tote a pint-sized pooch in large purse or sling carrier; even, maybe, tuck an easily fatigued canine in contraptions akin to baby stroller.

There’s a lot to like about the Hawaiian Humane Society’s push for a more pet-friendly community. The man’s-best-friend bond contributes to happier and healthier lives.

However, we should draw the line at dining with dogs in tow at restaurants. It’s a matter of health-and-safety concerns as well as customer courtesy.

The Hawaii Association of Animal Welfare Agencies, which includes the Honolulu-based Humane Society along with Hawaii Island Humane Society, Kauai Humane Society and Maui Humane Society, plans to request the introduction of a bill at the 2019 Legislature that would give restaurant owners discretion to adopt pet-friendly policies.

The push for a bill — following two unsuccessful bids in the past five years — comes as a new state law took effect last week imposing fines for fraudulently representing a pet as a service animal. That law is well-intended, but difficult to enforce due to American with Disabilities Act requirements.

While some types of Hawaii businesses have pet-friendly policies, state law bars the presence of animals other than service dogs in restaurants for valid health code-related reasons.

Among them: Allowing pets through a front door ushers in varying degrees of dog cleanliness, which can compromise food-service sanitation and touch off the transmission of parasites and bacteria that can be harmful to humans. Also, some diners may be allergic or just plain uncomfortable about being seated next to a dog.

Bruce Anderson, director of the state Department of Health, has said the DOH would not support a bill allowing dogs inside a restaurant, but may be receptive to a measure limiting access to outdoor eating areas separated from the establishment’s food prep spots. Also, food and drinks would not be served by employees in the designated areas.

This sort of not-yet-legit arrangement is already up and running, of course. A pet travel website, bringfido.com, notes 133 Honolulu eateries welcome dogs at outdoor tables. The trend surfaced about a decade ago, when dog-friendly policies took hold in some hotels and retail shops. Apparently, enforcing the state’s ban on pets at restaurants is low priority.