1 week Ago By [email protected] (Andrew Forgrave)
Cinemas and museums are increasingly opening their doors to dogs and it’s possible for canine companions to ride steam trains and enjoy dog-friendly spa days. Given the UK’s ever-increasing dog population, businesses can ill-afford to afford to ignore the trend. For restaurants, cafes and other eateries, however, a line has to be drawn when it comes to canine inclusivity.
The issue was highlighted on Anglesey this week when a dog owner claimed her mid-week booking was cancelled because it was too close to a “dog curfew” imposed by a cafe-restaurant. Her indignation sparked a lively online debate over canine entitlements. While some called for restaurants to be more open-minded, most agreed dogs should not be permitted in busy eateries in the evenings - or at any time.
Taking to social media, the dog owner complained the latest possible booking with dogs at the Sea Shanty, Trearddur Bay, is 4.30pm. “I have eaten there for years,” she said.
“And before anyone says that dogs ‘shouldn’t’ be in restaurants, mine are better mannered than most two-legged creatures. “I also (absolutely) understand that some folk don’t like dogs or prefer a less 'family friendly' environment after 7-8 o’clock - which is why we always, in consideration, eat earlier and are out before the jet set. But 4.
30 isn’t dinner.” Anglesey has a reputation for being dog-friendly. Partly this is driven by the island’s growing number of holiday rentals, most of which stipulate that dogs cannot be left unattended.
Eating establishments have responded by appealing to dog owners, offering open access or designated canine areas. The Sea Shanty has operated a dog curfew since opening in 2016. By offering high quality food in a unique nautical environment, it has since earned glowing reviews : on Tripadvisor, the Shanty is rated the best of Trearddur’s restaurants.
The North Wales Live Whatsapp community for top stories and breaking news is live now - here’s how to sign up Some dog owners became accustomed to eating there until 7pm but last September the canine curfew was brought forward to 6pm. For dog owners planning a meal, last booking is now 4.30pm so that they don’t feel rushed before having to vacate.
“We want to give them enough time to enjoy their meals,” said a staff member. If only drinks are planned, later bookings can be taken. The policy must be agreed by anyone making a booking – that’s most people, as getting a table for walk-ups can be tricky in the popular restaurant.
But other dog owners said the 4.30pm deadline was for “kiddy tea time”. One said online: “Who wants to eat that early?”.
A man agreed, saying: “Seriously though, no dogs after 16:30 is absolutely ridiculous!” Another person recently saw a family being asked to leave at 6pm because they had a dog. “They were just finishing their cocktails," she said. "Seemed rather ridiculous as the place was half empty and they could easily keep a dedicated dog section.
” Largely, there was sympathy for the restaurant and its policy – and some incredulity that some people should think otherwise. One woman said table-side dogs was an “awful idea”. Another wrote: “Why would you want to take your dog to a restaurant in the first place? “I’m a dog owner, I don’t want to eat my food with smelly dogs around after been in the sea, shaking themselves, barking and having to move past them.
We don’t take our pets to supermarkets with us, so why to restaurants?” One diner had a particular aversion to “yappy ankle-biting purse rats”, most disliked the smell and the thought of dog hairs wafting through rooms and onto food. One mum said: “We were in a Trearddur Bay restaurant a while ago and a dog had been in the sea – it absolutely stank of wet dog. I love dogs, don’t get me wrong, but not when I can smell them when I’m paying for a meal.
” Bigger dogs can pose a trip hazard and all dogs - however well behaved - have the potential to do something unpleasant. A woman who owns two dogs said she never takes them out when she's eating. “Lots of restaurants are stopping dogs now, it’s got a bit over the top,” she said.
“Don’t mind the odd dog perhaps with a local elderly person but you get 2-3 dogs per table now. “It’s dangerous for staff and unhygienic. I was in a country pub when a dog threw up.
A large table of guests refused to pay for their meals and left them.” Some people have severe allergies to dogs, making their dining experience unpleasant and, occasionally, dangerous. Moreover, not everyone is comfortable with dogs, and their presence in a restaurant may cause anxiety for some customers.
Food Hygiene Regulations insist that restaurant owners mustn’t allow dogs into places where food is prepared, handled or stored. However, there’s no UK law that says dogs aren’t allowed in restaurants, bars or other licensed premises – it’s up to the owners or managers to decide. Yet some dog lovers would not dream of letting their pets join them for a meal out.
“I have two dogs and have never taken them for dinner,” said one woman. “When on holiday we ate outside with the dogs, if the weather wasn’t good we’d get a takeaway. "Now we live here (on Anglesey), they stay at home when we go out for dinner.
You can always source a dog sitter for a few hours if you are renting and here on holiday.” Get the best island stories from our Anglesey newsletter - sent every Friday Look for places near you.
