Does law ban dogs from restaurants and cafés?

We went to a café and were told by the owner that there is a law that now prohibits dogs from restaurants (even outside) and anywhere food is being served. If the establishment is found to have allowed dogs in they will be fined €250. Is this true? S.E.

Oliver Rowland
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A legal expert for the national pedigree dogs organisation the Société Centrale Canine said that the only current law relating to this is European regulation 852/2004, article 4, chapter IX, annexe II, which states that ‘adequate measures’ should be taken so pets do not have access to places where food is prepared, treated or stored.

This rule (which does not include guide dogs) would most obviously relate to kitchens or storerooms but it is possible that, depending on the layout of the café or restaurant, they might decide to ban dogs in case of a risk of contamination of food that is unprotected and accessible. She added: “I do not know the exact amount of the fine, but it is possible for a restaurateur to be fined for not respecting this law.” In reality, many restaurants in France (and bars and cafés) do allow dogs, especially small unobtrusive ones kept on a lead.

Otherwise the only law that Connexion has identified that bans pets apart from guide dogs from eating establishments relates to such places as school or workplace canteens or hospital restaurants.

Dogs may also not be able to access beach bars or restaurants in areas where there is a municipal ban on dogs on the beach.

société centrale canine restaurant practical laws fines dogs cafes your questions

société centrale canine restaurant laws fines dogs cafes your questions