It’s warm outside, and you and Fido are ready to enjoy some al fresco dining.
But so far in 2018, only 14 bars and restaurants in Salt Lake County can legally allow pups on the patio, officials from the health department announced Wednesday.
Health officials expect additional establishments will apply as the summer dining season continues. By the end of summer last year, 16 establishments had received the variance, officials said.
Many restaurant owners may not be aware that under the state health code, pets are banned from common eating areas, but local health departments are allowed to grant exceptions.
To receive approval from the Salt Lake County Health Department, dog-friendly food-service businesses need to submit a special safety plan (known as a HACCP Plan) and pay a $315 application fee. The money covers staff inspection and review costs.
Restaurants must also follow these rules:
• Post signs so patrons know that dogs may be on the premises.
• Have an outdoor entrance so dogs don’t go through interior dining areas.
• Clean the patio every six hours or whenever there is a shift change, using animal-friendly products.
• Clean and sanitize “accidents” within 5 minutes.
• Wait staff and other restaurant food-handlers may not touch dogs.
Dog owners have responsibilities, too:
• Pets must remain on leash and have collars with current license and rabies tag.
• No dogs allowed on tables or chairs.
• Dogs may not have contact with any dishes or utensils.
Restaurants can give pets water in disposable containers, but the animals may not eat food — including dog food or treats — while on the restaurant patio.
This will be the first year that Proper Burger Co. will allow dogs on its patio.
Marketing Director Eleanor Lewis said the restaurant applied for the variance because it didn’t want customers to choose between “going out for dinner and a beer or spending time with their dog.”
With a spacious front and back patio, the restaurant, 865 S. Main, has plenty of room for pups, she said. “We’re fortunate at Proper to have a space that lends itself to dogs.”
At Avenues Proper, a sister restaurant that is not the case. “The patio is too narrow” and it would make food service difficult.
The variance applies only to dogs, not other animals, and does not affect qualifying ADA service dogs. Emotional support animals, comfort animals, companion animals and therapy animals are not considered service animals under the law, the county said.
Here are the 14 restaurants in Salt Lake County that have met health department requirements to have dogs on their outdoor patio:
Uinta’s Brewhouse Pub • 1722 S. Fremont Drive, Salt Lake City.
Campfire Lounge • 837 E. 2100 South, Salt Lake City.
Caputo’s on 15th • 1516 S. 1500 East, Salt Lake City.
Fisher Brewing Co. • 320 W. 800 South, Salt Lake City.
Flatbread Neapolitan PIzzeria • 2121 S. McClelland St., Salt Lake City.
Pig and a Jelly Jar (two locations) • 401 E. 900 South, Salt Lake City; and 1968 East Murray Holladay Road.
Prohibition • 151 E. 6100 South, Murray.
Proper Burger Co. • 865 S. Main, Salt Lake City.
Squatters • 147 W. 300 South, Salt Lake City.
Taqueria 27 (four locations) • 149 E. 200 South, Salt Lake City; 1615 S. Foothill Blvd., Salt Lake City; 4670 S. Holladay Blvd., Holladay; and 6154 S. State St., Murray.
