Will Dogs Dally With Diners?

Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is concerned about the quality of life of your dog. That's why he is sponsoring a change to the zoning laws that will allow dogs to hang out in outdoor seating areas at city restaurants. The proposed legislation will be heard by the commission during...

By Frank Houston

January 24, 2007

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Miami City Commissioner Marc Sarnoff is concerned about the quality of life of your dog. That's why he is sponsoring a change to the zoning laws that will allow dogs to hang out in outdoor seating areas at city restaurants.

The proposed legislation will be heard by the commission during Thursday's meeting. It proposes a "three-year dog-friendly dining pilot program," in which restaurants can apply for permits to allow canines to dine al fresco with their owners. Restaurant owners must give a diagram and description of the outdoor area to be designated as available for dogs and make sure that all food servers wash their hands after touching said dogs (we hope they are washing their hands already, but whatever).

Under the new rules, dogs will not be allowed on chairs or tables.

Doggie dining, of course, is nothing new on the beach. A stroll down Lincoln Road is like an AKC Animal Planet dog show. For a fun take on the animals of Lincoln Road, click here. --Tamara Lush

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