i am not in favor of a select few of the sidewalk cafes serving alcohol outside in the public view. however, i think if the restaurants are allowed to serve people outside where the public can see them eat and drink then the dogs should be allowed as well...

i am on the common right now with a bagel and there is a squirrel please hope me larry what do i do its looking at me and might be unsanitary

I think it's fine and was sad to see the Shanty post this isn't allowed anymore. Most owners keep their pups outside the roped off patio area too. You're eating outside in nature, enjoy it!

Yes, Dogs should be allowed! I have never had a problem in RI with outside tables. When I go to large areas I have a stroller do he can sit there, this way "in case" anyone has allergies, stay away, I'm doing all I can to protect you! I'm allergic to perfume, should we ban anyone that's wears it from the restaurant also?

I myself just came back from a vacation in Michigan and Niagara Falls where we brought our Australian Shepherd and we found it difficult for us as a family to enjoy local restaurants because we had our dog with us. Leaving him in the car in the heat was NOT an option. It would have been great if we could have dined outside with him at our feet... he is more interested in falling food from the 3 year old to bother anyone else! On the other hand, when we brought pets into our home, we knew we would have to make sacrifices.

There are many places around the country that allow dogs into restaurants. One Sunday evening it was raining, cold and windy, and I had my big dog with me. We were desperate for a place to eat, but couldn't in anywhere because of the dog. Well, I told my wife to follow my lead. I put my sunglasses on, walked into the restaurant with my dog by my side, pretended to be blind and we got a nice table right by the band and we all sat down for a lovely meal. I had to keep my glasses on, but hey, it was worth it. I must have put the Stevie Wonder smile on a bit thick, because a manager was getting suspicious. Anyway, all went well. I don't see what the big deal is to allow dogs on to patios. They are as much apart of the family as you can be. The Shanty always treated us nice when we brought our dogs. They gave them water and I ordered hamburgers for them. I wish we can all just move into the 21st century together, instead of clamping down hard on small businesses for breaking stupid laws like this.

I really need more data.
Like what is the death toll on Parisians, do to letting dogs in all open air eateries and many indoor ones as well. Also the U. S. Department of agriculture's reports on dog/eatery related food poisonings.
Until proven otherwise I'm for registered dogs hanging outdoors with their owners eating or not.
Well, except if the dog smokes.

As usual a little common sense goes a long way. We have laws because common sense isn't that common. How did the law get enacted? Thank you for starting the process of revisiting it. Perhaps restaurants can be allowed to designate if any areas allow dogs, and post it so patrons can choose where to patronize.

Outdoor eating is a great way for pet owners to spend time relaxing time without worrying about leaving their pet home alone. The owners I've seen dining outdoors are clearly responsible enough to know if they pet has the discipline to behave in that situation, and do usually request for or wait for tables closer to edge or walkways to be out of the main area.

As a proud dog parent I do like the idea of outdoor patios allowing people and their pets to sit together. No one I've talked to has an issue with it. Please bring it back!

As a long time retail & food service manager I cringe when I see people shopping/dining with their pets. There is never that much of a need to drag your dog around with you. I'm a huge dog lover and as much as I pamper my dog, which I do, I have never felt the need to take him along with me while shopping. You are doing a disservice to the employees of the establishment first and foremost. We are trained to deal with your needs not your pets needs. That includes any messes they can and will make. Most insurance will not cover us if your friendly dog who has been walking for upwards of 5 hrs in summer heat decides enough is enough and bites someone. Its our job and livelihood at stake not yours. Ever. If people have allergies which they tend to we are liable for any issues that arise. Quit being selfish. Deal with your separation anxiety over leaving your dog at home. Unless its a service animal, which means it has undergone a rigorous amount of training and observation, which odds are your dog is not than please for the sake of the dog, the customers around you, the shops and restaurants you visit and yourself and leave your dog at home. I'm pretty sure he/she will still be there.

It would seem that, like musicals and anisette, some people just don't like the thought.
I see very little health concern, although some, to having a pet friendly outdoor eating area, even if it means being in a particular section. Quite honestly, I see it being more of a burden of responsibility for the establishment, but so is having outdoor seating, so....why the hubbub, bub?
What about rogue bird bombs hitting my plate, Larry? Can't stop it, can we?
Things can change if enough people PROPERLY voice their opinions and if majority want this, then Larry should reconsider, bring it to the Board, and vote.
Understand, you must see the liability the DoH has to see, as well. The City has had this in place for a while, and are now enforcing, to which I do not agree with fully.
I see three sides to this: the Law, the for, and the against.
I say change the regulation, put proper postings in place, and implement good natured happiness all around.
Woof.

Banning dogs from outdoor patios is just another slap in the face of small business in Salem. Last year, the discussion was about the unfair laws regarding seasonal liquor licenses. This year, by banning dogs, they are taking away a factor that allows one restaurant to differentiate itself from another and appeal to a unique clientele. The city needs to allow responsible business owners to take care of themselves and turn its time, money, and resources to the plethora of other issues that plague this city.

Yeah, Scott! I am in complete agreement with you. Entitlement. Lack of consideration for others. Not everyone loves dogs. Some people are afraid of them.Bothersome & distracting to Servers trying to do their job. I stepped on a dog's tail one night because he was in my way. His owner lashed out at me. And, i need this shit...why?? If you want to dine al fresco with your pooch, get some take-out & go have a picnic in the park or at the beach!

Dog parents...Anyone using that term should be put in a stockade and forced to wear a Scarlet I for idiot.

As long as the animals behave themselves, I see nothing wrong with them being allowed on restaurant patios. They are no more disruptive than some small children. I do not have dogs and I do not have children.

I personally would rather be exposed to a dog, pig, cat, or goat for that matter than the scientifically proven, evidenced-based, known carcinogens from the secondhand smoke I am exposed to if I am sitting outside at one of the many restaurants that have patio seating.

My experience has been that the people who have their dogs with them have been much more considerate to others than the smokers.

Also, for those of us who may not like eating out alone, having the option of eating outside with the dog along has meant the difference between patronizing a local business or not. In addition to being less self conscious, I have met many more people because of my dog. People approach and it breaks the ice.

Please pick a bigger battle.

Oh, and @ Scott F., not all service animals have to go through "rigorous training." guide dogs for visually impaired folks or assistance dogs for physically impaired folks do. However many service dogs only need their health certificates, license, and Canine Good Citizen certificates.

If all the rules were followed to the letter, then Downtown Salem would look like Downtown Lynn. In case anyone hasn't noticed, there has been an explosion of new people moving into the downtown with, yes, dogs. Just on Crombie St. we went from none to at least 40 in the past 3-years. Do I care? Nope. They and their owners fill the downtown up with life after 6pm with all their walking, pooping, picking up after, etc. and yes stopping at various outdoor dining establishments. Did this come about from proper city planning? No way. It is just the natural course of events and how they shape up. I see no harm in having dogs sitting with their masters at outdoor dining areas. I have yet to see anything worrisome in any of it. What does bother me is that maybe we have an overzealous Health Inspector trying to impress his new overseers who also need to help keep the local businesses happy and financially healthy. Now let's talk about something that will cause real harm like that idiotic ticketing until 8pm!

No.
Folks. Folks. Folks.
The "loving animals" or not idea aside, some of us have allergies, and some of us have other health reservations about pets in public places. It's never ok to IMPOSE your choice on another person. Unless it's a service animal... Really. Our society is narcissistic enough already.

PS echo my comments on animals (and agree with previous comments) about the nicotine addicts/smokers. Same argument--same observations.

Thoughtfulness and good manners. Answer to all objections.

So the lowest common denominator rules Or the no peanut butter and jelly sandwiches in a school of 500 kids because only one has a peanut allergy. We have become a country where one person's problem becomes everyone's problem. Sorry, doesn't fly here.

If dogs are allowed on patios there will always be those ignorant owners that fail to control their dog.Then it becomes the responsibility of the resteraunt to remove the problem and not all resteraunts are equal.Not something I would like to have to deal with while trying to eat. As an example most people will remove a crying baby out of respect to others and try to quiet them but others will sit there and eat as if the child is not even there.

Yes they should be allowed.
The amount of $$$ we spend at several downtown restaurants, with our well behaved dog, far surpasses that of the families with screaming kids. Also, Waitstaff will miss the tips from many of the parties with dogs too. We might still go, but the frequency and length of visits will reduce. It's disappointing coming from the "Dog Friendly City".

I'd be interested to know the nature of the complaints the Board has received. Were they complaints from people with allergies? Were they complaints from restaurants who DON'T allow dogs in their outdoor areas? Some context as to what caused the sudden crack down would help me understand why one day my dog wasn't a threat to the health and well being of the people of Salem, but 24 hours later, she was.

The law cited above just says you can't forbid a guide dog from public accomodations. As far as I can find there is no health code or Mass law that backs up forbidding dogs from outdoor serving spaces.

Please don't put up with people who "quote chapter and verse" without actually quoting. It's usually meant to intimidate you with puffery.

A simple web search can find the law in question. It has nothing to do with these circumstances. At least insist that the heath board give us the correct point of law they are enforcing.

At the very least, the bit of MA code cited is decades superceded by the considerably more elaborate service animal law at the federal level from the ADA.

If our Board of Health is not aware that the ADA is relevant, rather than a blue law from the 1800s state code, then they have truly gone to the dogs and are operating by whimsy, not law.

I say it depends. I love animals and I completely understand the desire to bring a pet along for outside dining. Our pets become a part of our families and we would rather bring them along with us than leave them neglected at home. Most of the time, a dog will lie quietly by the table while his family eats, and other patrons hardly know he's there.

However, I do think there have been a lot of good points brought up against it. If we say "yes", this leaves circumstances open for those who would ruin it for everyone else by bringing young or untrained dogs who misbehave, get underfoot of the servers who are trying to work, or act aggressively to other dogs. Additionally there is the hygiene issue concerning people with allergies and pets who are not properly bathed or possess an unpleasant odor. Also, a dog who has been out swimming or rolling in the grass or dirt might decide to shake out their fur which could lead to trouble for other patrons. Granted, most dog owners I see around town are aware of these things, but there are always those people out there who are inconsiderate or just lack common sense, and the small business owners will be the ones who shoulder the responsibility.

I feel that leaving this decision up to the business owners is the best solution. They can post signs to alert customers, make rules, or even have specific "pet hours" to avoid having them become a nuisance during their busiest times of the day, and patrons can choose where they want to eat.

Write the White House. My understanding is that President Obama is in favor of dogs being served in restaurants.

I'm a proud "parent" to a ferret and a boa constrictor (both registered service animals), and I like to take them out to eat in restaurants with me to show everyone that despite our differences, we really can all get along!

I voted it depends. I do not have a dog at present, but a well-behaved dog can be better company than most of the humans I know. I think ultimately it should be up to each restaurant to decide. Perhaps a set of guide lines can be written to weed out the ill-mannered.

I don't understand the trend of registering every pet as a service animal. I work in the veterinary field and I see so many poorly behaved, untrained little hairy beasts of destruction whose owners add "Oh, he goes everywhere with me. He's a registered service dog." Service dogs are not pets, they perform a service, hence the name. If the only service your dog provides is company and cuteness (and there's nothing wrong with that!), they are not a service dog, they are a pet. Pets being registered as service dogs undercuts the perceived value of a true working dog.

The dogs are very well behaved and I would be less inclined to go where they are banned, unless they ban
children as well. For the very few who have allergies, tell your server just like if you have a nut allergy, they are smarter than you think..... I don't have a dog, but dog owners are not second class citizens. They have rights too.

How is it, do you think, so unsanitary to be with your dog in a patio while eating; when there is a table next to you where the customers are blowing their nose and even getting something from between their teeth?

Seriously has anyone ever walked down thru Pickering Wharf Well first you will see bowls filled with water outside 3/4 of the shops and im sure they are not left out for the birds! I work in Pickering Wharf as a Server and I am here to make money and serve Guests and I cant tell you how many tourist bring there dogs on vacation with them and they will be out walking the dog and see a nice spot and say"can i have breakfast here on the patio with my dog the GM over hears the guest and says absolutely!!! as im serving them they tell me the came back to Salem because they loved that our City is dog friendly We are here to cater to the public and turning away customers with the economy the way it is,is crazy and allergies seriously dog allergies thats ridiculous eat in the restaraunt because i garauntee this person is allergic to bee stings and cigarette smoke and honestly do they know about air pollution i mean we live in a City with a Power Plant that uses Coal if its not one thing its another let the dog sit next to his owner and have a bite to eat they are more behaved than most kids and atleast the dog cleans the floor before he leaves:) Maybe we should start offering Doggie Menus!!!!Rufff Ruffff

I think that dogs should be allowed on patios, if the restaurant wants to let them. I know that my dog is better behaved than most children, and even a lot of adults. I think the restaurant owners should be the ones making the decision. If they allow dogs and you don't like dogs, then ask for a seat away from the dogs or go to a place that doesn't allow them.

I don't see how a dog outside, sitting on the ground (which I assume everyone is walking on, not eating off of), would be a health issue. Maybe some people are allergic to dogs, but does that mean dogs should be banned from sidewalks too in case someone with an allergy walks by? You are out in the fresh open air! You aren't being locked in a box with an allergen.

As with most things, if you don’t like something, vote with your wallet. If you don’t like dogs on patios, go someplace else, or go inside. Or how about this idea? YOU get take-out and go to the beach or a park. You’d think dogs on patios presented some big hardship or civil rights violation, or every patio in town allowed this. Not like you don’t have PLENTY of other options.

If you work at such a place, and don’t like it, well, take it up with management. I’d rather sit with my dog than a lot of people out there. My dog is cleaner and better behaved than MANY people I see in Salem.

“It's never ok to IMPOSE your choice on another person.” What a crock/hypocritical statement! You would impose your OWN choice upon us, and change the existing peaceful situation.

As to “state regulations”, is there one? Please cite it. How does Boston do it? Menino is no slouch on regulating just about everything, and yet somehow, Boston has managed this just fine, and at some higher end restaurants, also. Boston isn’t alone, either, btw. There are many other municipalities listed, if you search that.

http://www.bing.com/search?q=dog+friendly+restaurants+boston&form=OPRTSD&pc=OPER

You just know, some squeaky wheel whined to the BoH, and (once again), the city prematurely capitulated to a vocal minority, instead of saying, we’ll look into it. What nonsense.

leave the ankle biters home.

Just when one thought we were making some progress here in Salem, you have this. And listen to some these rants. Yikes!

I was in Germany recently at an outside restaurant patio with several dogs there. People didn't mind at all and neither did I. I'm sure there are birds, bugs, squirrels, and whatever else on those patios during the day and overnight. I ate off of a clean table and sat on a clean chair. I don't eat off of the ground. I had clean hands and clean dishes and utensils that the dogs never touched. They do it all over Europe. What is the problem?

I find it is never a good idea to suggest America should be more like Germany.