Should Ohio allow dogs on restaurant patios?

COLUMBUS - Want to drink a pilsner with your poodle or a latte with your labradoodle? Ohio bans dogs on restaurant patios but one Southwest Ohio dog lover wants to change that.

Sen. Bill Coley, R-Liberty Township, has finally found a way to combine his love of small government with his love of this two sheep dogs: Wilby and Elwood. His proposal would allow restaurants to welcome canines onto their patios as long as they abide by health department standards for cleanliness and food safety.

Pups would still be prohibited from all indoor spaces – with the exception of service animals. And businesses could still ban pets on their properties if they choose.

Health department officials worry that dogs could vomit or urinate on the patios, potentially contaminating food. A server could pet a dog then forget to wash his hands. Dogs could bite patrons or other canines, said Antonio Young, director of environmental health at the Cincinnati Health Department.

"The current rules are dogs are not permissible inside restaurants unless it’s a service dog," Young said. Kentucky also prohibits pets on restaurant patios. 

Cincinnati Health Department has received few complaints about dogs on restaurant patios, but Young expected that to change as more people push for their dogs to dine with them. 

The Land-Grant Brewing Company in Columbus was warned that the brewery couldn't have dogs on their wooden patio after a customer complained, general counsel Julie Keys said. The Columbus Health Department sent letters to all the cities' restaurants, reminding them that they could face downgraded health ratings if pets are found on their patios.

"They meant well, but they made a bad ruling there," Coley said.

That meant an end to "Pups and Pints," a fundraiser for the Capital Area Humane Society and other dog-friendly events.

"One regular even brought his ailing pup to Land-Grant for one last beer on the patio, because both man and dog desperately needed community that night," Keys said. 

Coley, who frequently brings "his boys" Wilby and Elwood to restaurants and hotels while on vacation, said Ohio needs fewer bureaucrats exercising their authority over local business owners.

"Why should a health department get to be onerous and say, 'No. no. Nowhere in my jurisdiction, in my fiefdom shall there be a dog.' What the heck?" Coley asked.

Rep. Laura Lanese, R-Grove City, introduced a similar proposal in the Ohio House. Lawmakers will consider the bills later this year.