Posted on 02/24/2006 2:12:05 PM PST by freepatriot32
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Some Florida cities would like to throw a dog a bone _ or maybe a burger and some fries. Dogs would be able to sit with humans at outdoor restaurant tables in some communities under a measure advancing in the Florida Legislature.
The bill, approved by a House committee Wednesday, would create a three-year test program to allow cities to grant restaurants that want to host dogs special permission to do so under certain conditions.
Rep. Sheri McInvale, an Orlando Republican, filed the bill after some restaurant owners complained because they were threatened with fines for allowing doggy dining. The city supports the proposal.
"We are getting a renaissance downtown," said Kathy Russell, Orlando's director of government relations. "We've got designer restaurants and designer dogs, and (people) would like to have a designer cup of coffee with their designer dog."
Dogs would only be allowed to dine at outside tables under the plan. No restaurant would be required to let the dogs in, and cities would not be required to offer the variance from the law that normally bars canines. The dogs also would have to be on leashes.
But some say giving Fido a seat at the table raises serious questions. The issue of dog bites may be a concern for individual restaurant owners, McInvale said. The bill would require restaurants to have $1 million worth of liability insurance to be eligible to be exempted from the law.
"Everybody's not a dog person, and some people are afraid of dogs," said Rep. Terry Fields, a Democrat.
Tiffany Hickem, who shuttles her 9-month-old shelty Delaney between her home in Delray Beach and Gainesville where Hickem is a student at the University of Florida, would love to take the puppy to restaurants.
It would mean fewer hours Delaney would have to hang out at home all alone.
"Anytime I can take her out and do something with her, even if it's while I'm doing something, it gives her a chance get a little more socialized," Hickem said.
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is against the bill because different restaurants will have to follow different laws depending on what city they're in. The restaurant lobby probably won't howl too loudly about the proposal, though.
"Our membership is somewhat split on this," said the FRLA's general counsel, Richard Turner, who, for the record, has a puppy at home.
The bill has one more committee stop to make before it can go to the full House for a vote. A similar measure is awaiting Senate committee hearings. Some lawmakers still have questions _ albeit humorous ones.
"Does it mean if we pass this bill, it would eliminate doggy bags?" asked Rep. Julio Robaina, R-Miami.
Why would you say this? Why would any one say this?
If I understand this correctly, rather than forcing restaurant owners to admit dogs, it eliminates the regulations that prevent them from admitting dogs.
In other words, more freedom of choice.
the same pols that wont allow you to let smoking take place are tryingot force resturant owners to allow dogs to eat at resturants
Well, as long as the dogs aren't SMOKING, I see no problem with this. I can't believe that anyone would mind watching a dog licking it's butt while they eat. /sarcasm
"I can't believe that anyone would mind watching a dog licking it's butt while they eat. /sarcasm"
Yeah, but if the dog's licking his balls, the guys get envious.
Many strange things happen in the "State that could not vote straight."
I'll go for a few of these...like nuclear power.
I don't.
I did not mean to say..if they do it in Europe its better or ok. I was just pointing out that not all civilized societies ban doggies in restaurants.
And, btw, I like dogs...I just don't want to sit where they've rubbed their butts.
Aunt Edna: "My sandwich tastes funny"
"Yeah, but if the dog's licking his balls, the guys get envious."
I just KNEW I should've kept my mouth shut and my typing fingers taped together, LOL!
I've been watching this issue too, but here this only applies to the patio seating areas. There is no way I want to be eating and have some mutt staring at me when I am eating. I get that at home from our poodle and I don't want to have that at any restaurant.
I still like # 11, especially with old Amsterdam or Stilton and as for 9, well, I still think this is one of the most beautiful cars ever made:
that is a beautiful car!
Keeping that in mind...what's your problem with this again?
Ah, okay. We're on the same page after all.
I would love to be able to take Salty to restaurants! As long as he's outside, his methane output shouldn't offend.
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