Dogs back at dining tables

SALEM In the dog days of summer, canines are being welcomed back to outdoor dining areas in the city of Salem.

The Salem Health Department has established a variance process that will allow restaurants to have dogs on outdoor patios as long as certain rules are obeyed.

I think its a happy compromise, said Health Agent Larry Ramdin.

As of yesterday, several restaurants were applying for variances in the hope of opening their patios to dogs this weekend.

Its too bad it had to be canceled for a while, but Im thrilled its back, said Steve Feldmann, the owner of Gulu-Gulu Cafe. Its a good thing for the city.

Notices went out last month banning dogs in outdoor dining areas after the health department received complaints. Ramdin said he was only enforcing the food safety regulations within the state health code, which prohibit animals in restaurants.

Under the variances, dogs will be allowed as long as restaurants enforce a number of health and safety rules.

The variance applies only to dogs, not other pets.

Ramdin said his staff researched the issue and found that state regulations do not allow dogs in outdoor dining areas. Where it was happening, Ramdin said it was being permitted in spite of the state health code.

The health agent said he checked with the town of Swampscott, a local community that has a similar variance procedure.

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Dogs back at dining tables