Anyone planning on bringing their pup to the pub might want to think again.

In a letter sent to restaurants licensed by the city, Columbus Public Health Administrator Keith L. Krinn said the department has received a number of questions about whether animals, specifically dogs, are allowed on licensed premises.

The answer is no.

“Live animals may not be allowed on the premises of a food-service operation or retail food establishment,” the letter said. Certain exceptions are allowed, such as a service dog helping a disabled person, as long as the animal’s presence doesn’t pose a threat to food contamination.

The letter concluded that because patios and open air bar-type areas are considered “food premises,” any “‘pups on porch’ or similar events” are in violation of state health codes.

Health department spokesman Jose Rodriguez said that although the letter was sent in response to public concern, enforcement of the law is nothing new.

“If people are breaking the law it should be reported,” Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said restaurant inspections are performed daily and without notice. If a complaint is reported, he said, a public-health worker is sent out that day.

If a restaurant is found in violation of the law, it's given the chance to correct the issue on its own before more serious steps are taken, Rodriguez said. This could include having their health code rating downgraded from green to yellow or being issued a cease-and-desist order.

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Some businesses have taken steps to comply with the law. AJ Schultz, general manager of Pistacia Vera, said the German Village restaurant has already made changes in light of the letter.

A water bowl for four-legged customers used to sit on the cafe's patio, but since receiving the letter, the staff has moved it to the sidewalk farther from the dining area, Shultz said. A jar of treats kept for customers’ pets has also been removed.

“First and foremost,” she said, “we want to follow the rules.”

Some businesses are pushing back against the health department notice.

Tom Sweeney, general manager of Pins Mechanical Co. on North Fourth Street Downtown, said the bar hosted a “Pups on the Patio” fundraiser on May 3, two weeks after receiving the letter, to benefit Buckeye Bulldog Rescue.

Sweeney said Pins hasn't been cited by the department since the letter was sent, but that he noticed a possible public-health worker visit the bar since.

“We’re kind of just rolling with it, but we think it’s dumb,” Sweeney said.

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