2008 Woodie Awards
Ordinance allows dogs in outdoor patios
Amanda Wowk
Issue date: 2/4/08 Section: News
A new city ordinance now allows restaurants to let dogs who are not used as service animals (such as seeing-eye dogs) sit with their owners on outdoor patios. The ordinance, which was passed in September and is optional for patio restaurants, went into effect Jan. 1.
Some people are skeptical about the new rule, and some restaurant owners have refused to endorse the new ordinance.
"We're not doing it," said Nick Somukas, manager of Athena Restaurant in Greektown, which has an outdoor patio. "I don't want the mess and noise. I don't want the urine or feces on the patio."
Other restaurants in more dog-friendly neighborhoods are supportive of the new ordinance, seeing it as an asset to their businesses.
"We support the ordinance especially because of the neighborhood," remarked Leah Allen, general manager of Bistrot Margot Restaurant in Old Town. "We have a lot of foot traffic here, and shops in the area allow owners to bring their dogs in with them, so it really makes sense for our neighborhood and is better for our business."
"We do ask the owners to keep their dogs under control," Allen added.
However, a few UIC students aren't fond of the idea.
"I think it's a lose-lose situation," said first-year student Devina Pasiewicz. "If the restaurant owners don't want to admit dogs, they lose customers."
There are several guidelines within the ordinance that have been enacted in order to keep restaurants both dog and human-friendly. For example, dogs will only be allowed in restaurants that have licensed approval and registration to have dogs on their patios. If a restaurant chooses to opt out of allowing dogs, then a clear sign must be displayed to notify pet owners of the restaurant's policy.
The ordinance does not apply to establishments where the dog must first pass through an indoor seating area to reach the patio. The dogs cannot be served food - only a dish of water - and if the dog is not up-to-date with its vaccinations, then it will not be allowed to accompany its owner. Many find these rules satisfactory.
"Dogs belong outside," said first-year student Carly Goff. "It's their natural habitat. Of course there should be rules, but it seems fine."
Still many are concerned with the idea of a dog attacking a patron. As of yet, it remains unclear as to how such a situation would be handled, aside from the requirement of immediately calling 311. Especially complicated situations would involve handling litigation against the restaurant if a patron attacked by another patron's dog chooses to sue.
Yet winter in Chicago is still in full swing, and it will be a long time before anyone will want to sit on the patio at a restaurant, with or without a pet. When spring comes, the city will see if residents want their dogs to dine with them.
Some people are skeptical about the new rule, and some restaurant owners have refused to endorse the new ordinance.
"We're not doing it," said Nick Somukas, manager of Athena Restaurant in Greektown, which has an outdoor patio. "I don't want the mess and noise. I don't want the urine or feces on the patio."
Other restaurants in more dog-friendly neighborhoods are supportive of the new ordinance, seeing it as an asset to their businesses.
"We support the ordinance especially because of the neighborhood," remarked Leah Allen, general manager of Bistrot Margot Restaurant in Old Town. "We have a lot of foot traffic here, and shops in the area allow owners to bring their dogs in with them, so it really makes sense for our neighborhood and is better for our business."
"We do ask the owners to keep their dogs under control," Allen added.
However, a few UIC students aren't fond of the idea.
"I think it's a lose-lose situation," said first-year student Devina Pasiewicz. "If the restaurant owners don't want to admit dogs, they lose customers."
There are several guidelines within the ordinance that have been enacted in order to keep restaurants both dog and human-friendly. For example, dogs will only be allowed in restaurants that have licensed approval and registration to have dogs on their patios. If a restaurant chooses to opt out of allowing dogs, then a clear sign must be displayed to notify pet owners of the restaurant's policy.
The ordinance does not apply to establishments where the dog must first pass through an indoor seating area to reach the patio. The dogs cannot be served food - only a dish of water - and if the dog is not up-to-date with its vaccinations, then it will not be allowed to accompany its owner. Many find these rules satisfactory.
"Dogs belong outside," said first-year student Carly Goff. "It's their natural habitat. Of course there should be rules, but it seems fine."
Still many are concerned with the idea of a dog attacking a patron. As of yet, it remains unclear as to how such a situation would be handled, aside from the requirement of immediately calling 311. Especially complicated situations would involve handling litigation against the restaurant if a patron attacked by another patron's dog chooses to sue.
Yet winter in Chicago is still in full swing, and it will be a long time before anyone will want to sit on the patio at a restaurant, with or without a pet. When spring comes, the city will see if residents want their dogs to dine with them.
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