Dogs on St. Augustine Restaurants

A city ordinance will begin on August 1 that will permit dogs on designated sections outside of restaurants. St. Augustine City attorney, Ron Brown,  said it’s part of a three-year pilot program under a state statute that will end in 11 months.

St. Augustine City Commissioners passed the ordinance with Commissioner Don Crichlow concerned about enforcing the measure. Crichlow wondered how city staff will ensure the restaurants stay clean and follow the guidelines in the ordinance for disinfecting the area where dogs are.

“City staff will answer complaints, but they will not be able to evaluate every restaurant at all times,” said Mark Knight, city planning and building department director. The state statute began after Orlando restaurant Sam Snead allowed dogs and eventually had former Gov. Jeb Bush on its front lawn signing the Doggy Dining bill into law, according to the Orlando Sentinel.

Restaurants will be required to offer sanitary soap on the tables where dogs are and employees serving food are not allowed to pet the dogs. In the ordinance, all breeds are allowed in designated outside sections of restaurants.A city permit must be obtained by participating restaurants. Restaurants must provide doggy bags for bathroom accidents, and employees must clean the area immediately with disinfectant.