It’s hard to settle anything as “known fact” merely through the court of public opinion. Sure, a movie like Night School can make a bajillion dollars in the box office, but it’s rating on Rotten Tomatoes is like the grade on a math test from someone who skipped every single class. One issue that has, surprisingly, divided our readers is the issue of whether or not dogs should be allowed in bars. So let’s go through the pros and cons of this divisive issue to see where you, the readers, think the dividing line should be between booze and pooches. Here’s what our readers thought of dogs in bars …
People love dogs in bars all over the world! Or do they?
Dogs in bars? Let’s not and say we did.
While some people would love to drink a pint while their dog watches on adoringly, some are not so enthusiastic about having to deal with all of the negative aspects of a dogs running around their favorite bars. Metro reader Omar Torrance took big issue with the whole concept in general:
Why do people who own dogs assume that EVERYONE loves them? Unless it is a service dog, I personally don’t want to see dogs on a plane, in a restaurant or bar. People have allergies, some folks have fears and phobias also. No matter how “trained” a dog is, it can be be triggered when in a new environment and potentially cause a major problem, especially if there is more than one canine in a public place. Don’t get me wrong, I like dogs but It’s a pet not a child or a companion. Well maybe for some. There are dog parks all over the city..take your dog there, not to a public place designed for humans to enjoy themselves. There is no “war” against dogs..they are animals and EVERYONE doesn’t think they are cute enough to hang out with their owners in all public places..next thing you know people will have their dogs in the club or in church, might as well let them come to the gym and workout also.
Another reader, Lola Campbell, there should be no dogs in bars for the sake of the dogs:
I do not believe any animals should be in bars! Come on people, yes some of them are loyal, adorable however the bars are strictly a getaway for HUMANS. Leave the doggies home. The dogs themselves most likely don't want to be in a place like a bar anyway!
Dogs in bars? The more the merrier!
Some people wrote in with their support of allowing their doggos prance around the bar as you drink away the stresses of the work week. This message from an Anonymous reader was fully on "team dog":
Why do people always complain about dogs? I would love to go out alone with my dogs and sit in a restaurant or bar. People are not always the best company. In certain European countries dogs are allowed at the table in a restaurant. That is civilized.
Some people who have children who are more disruptive and ill mannered than some dogs, but would anyone dare to ask that children not be permitted in parks? Yet we have parks where dogs are not allowed!
While children are not allowed in bars, dogs should be. As with people, those who are unruly and who bother the customers should be barred/ejected. Do we say people might start a fight or take someone on and therefore they should be screened before admission to a bar? No.
Most dogs are well behaved. If they are not they can be thrown out as with any disruptive customer.
Dogs don't react like humans. They are usually better behaved.
And Meg Hall went even further to say she would much rather drink with her dog than most people in bars anyways:
I would rather drink with my dog than some of the patrons. My dog is a food hound so as long as no food around we would be fine. She might do her donut dance for attention but that would he the worst case scenario.
So what is the verdict on dogs in bars?
While the court of public opinion could be split on this issue, let's talk bout whether or not it is actually legal for your to bring a dog into a bar. Due to rules imposed by the FDA, dogs are not allowed into bars or restaurants unless the establishment has an outside patio or elongated seating area that prefaces the area where food and drinks are prepared. This is so that none of the pet dander that affects people who are allergic to dogs get sick.
The interesting part is, however, if your dog is considered a "service animal" you are technically able to bring your dog with you into restaurants or bars without any issue. But due to rules underneath the Americans with Disabilities Act, people who work at bars and restaurants — and even FDA inspectors — are not allowed to ask you to produce information on the spot proving that you require a service animal or registration that your animal is one. So ... take from that information what you will!
