The state House on Monday approved an amendment that would allow local governments to adopt ordinances allowing dogs to accompany their owners at outdoor restaurants.According to Rep. Rachel Storch (D-St. Louis), state regulations currently prohibit animals from restaurants, including outdoor areas.
Rep. Storch sponsored the "Doggie Dining" amendment at the request of the Missouri Restaurant Association. Ah yes, but did they lobby her with lavish dog treats and chartered trips to PetSmart?
Dogs would still be banned from inside of restaurants, and it would still be the call of local governments to decide whether this floats. Of course, individual restaurants would ultimately make their own call.
But for Storch, it's about pet-friendly policies.
"Many outdoor restaurants already have pet-friendly policies and are unaware they are in violation of state regulations," Storch said. "I think we should let every dog have its day - and dinner."
The House approved the amendment to Senate Bill 22 on a voice vote. Further action on the bill is required before it can be sent to the Governor.
