CITY APPROVES DOGGY DINING

Sarasota, FL: The City of Sarasota showed its support for canine companionship today as the City Commission unanimously approved a doggy dining ordinance on second reading. Dogs now will be allowed to accompany their owners in the outdoor dining areas of restaurants which have obtained the required doggy dining permit. The ordinance only pertains to outdoor dining, and only to establishments which opt into the program by obtaining the necessary permit.

The Florida State Legislature established a three year pilot program, last year, which authorizes local governments to adopt an ordinance allowing dogs in the outdoor areas of restaurants. The law pertains only to dogs.

The Sarasota County Health Department will enforce the doggy dining ordinance within the City of Sarasota. Permits are available from the Sarasota County Health Department for $150. The required doggy dinning application can be downloaded from www.sarasotagov.com. (The link is under the Business and Development menu)