Some eastern Iowa bars and restaurants make it a point to welcome pets in outdoor patio spaces. But while “dog friendly” may be a trend in some cities, it’s actually a violation of state public health rules in Iowa.

In some cities, it’s almost a competition to be the most welcoming and bring in more business from pet owners.

But Iowa bars and restaurants allowing dogs in outdoor patio areas are actually violating state food code laws.

Backpocket Brewing assistant taproom manager Reid Overton says it’s a question staff gets all the time.

“We get a lot of calls asking, is your patio dog friendly?” he said.

At Backpocket in Coralville, the answer is “yes.” Dogs who show up with owners can go into the outdoor patio areas. Servers will even bring out a pet water dish. There’s just one problem.

James Bechtel, an environmental health specialist with the Johnson County Health Department, says it’s a violation of restaurant health inspection rules. But few know it.

“Often in talking with the individual, we’re providing the first piece of information that this isn’t allowed and they should be more in control of what they allow in the outdoor facilities,” he said.

The prohibition against pets in outdoor areas where food is served has been around for years.

But in Johnson County, the issue only comes up if there’s a complaint or an inspector sees something during a visit. That doesn’t happen very often.

But occasionally, it is an issue.

For instance, last month in Davenport some bar owners made a pitch for more businesses from people with pets by advertising specials. One was entitled “Mutts & Mimosas.”

That brought warning letters from the Scott County Health Department saying violators risked a fine or the loss of a food service license.

Health officials say there’s just one exception to no dogs in restaurant or bar patio areas. That’s a working service animal.