Not All Pubs Are Dog Friendly Near Me
It was hard to find dog friendly pubs near me, maybe its the same in your local area too. Quite surprising considering that the UK is a nation of dog lovers, an estimated population of 12 million furry friends living in the UK puts dog owners firmly at the top of the pet owners list.
To many people their pooch is a valued member of the family so its understandable that some people would want to take their dog to the pub instead of leaving them at home or in the car. If they are out on a day out there is no need to let the dog spoil the fun, but are dogs welcome in all pubs and is it legal for a dog to be in a pub or bar?
From a legal stand point it is totally acceptable and permissible for dogs to be on the pub premises and there is quite clear advice on assistance dogs such as guide dogs for the visually impaired too; but that doesn’t mean that they are always welcome.
Allowing dogs in the bar really depends on the establishment and the management that run it. Even if they serve food the management can still be a dog friendly bar and allow them into the public bar and seating areas, understandingly there is strict hygiene rules on pest control so no dog would be allowed in any kitchen or food prep areas.
Many of the country side and village pubs are happy to allow pets and are used to providing a dog friendly pub, the nature of their rural location often attracts more walkers and dog owners, you will often see dogs in country pubs and beer gardens.
Not all Pubs are dog friendly, some places, especially if they serve food could refuse entry to your dog even in the public bar areas. The management have a right to refuse entry of pet or working dogs at their discretion.
You would be forgiven for expecting an exception to the rule on whether or not Working dogs such as assistance dogs for the visually impaired would be allowed in a pub but No, the management can refuse entry even to a guide dog. This is arguably discriminatory stance but it’s not illegal.
GuideDogs.org.uk are currently running a campaign called “Access All Areas” which aims to combat this type of service refusal, their website says,
“Under the Equality Act, guide dog and other assistance dog owners have the right to enter most services, premises and vehicles with their dog.
Our research shows that the most frequent places that guide dog owners are refused access to are minicabs, taxis, pubs, restaurants and shops. This is why we’ve been calling for the government to introduce Disability Equality Training for minicab and taxi drivers, and venue managers to make them aware of the law and how better to support people with a visual impairment and other needs. We’ve been making similar calls in countries across the United Kingdom.”
Pub chain owners and landlords that don’t offer a dog friendly pub especially to assistance dogs may need to review their policies to allow access to all people who wish to go to the pub for a quiet drink and a meal, and if that means allowing a special trained assistance dog on the premises then so be it. Unfortunately, 75% of service or assistance dog owners surveyed by Guide Dogs.org reported they had been refused entry to a Pub or Restaurant due to their dog which many would say is totally unacceptable.
So if you are a dog lover, as a pet or to assist you in daily life then feel free to take you beloved dog along with you but check with the management before you visit just to make sure the venue is a dog friendly pub where you and your dog will be welcome.
