June 2, 2017

Health Department Reminds Restaurants: Receive Permission Before Welcoming Dogs to Patios

(SALT LAKE COUNTY)—Now that patio dining season is upon us, the Salt Lake County Health Department (SLCoHD) is reminding restaurants and cafés with outdoor eating areas that they need to apply for a regulation variance to allow dogs on their patios.

In May 2012, the Salt Lake County Board of Health amended its food sanitation regulation to allow dogs on outdoor dining patios if the food service establishment applied for permission and met a few simple maintenance and service requirements. As of May 2017, 12 food establishments in Salt Lake County [see list below] have received the variance and can legally welcome canine companions to their patios.

“The board changed the regulation to allow dogs in certain, controlled situations because we’d heard from residents and restaurant owners that they wanted that option available to them,” said Jeff Oaks, SLCoHD food protection bureau manager. “We support businesses that make this choice, and our goal is to ensure they do so with cleanliness and safety in mind.”

To receive “paws on the patio” approval, dog-friendly food-service businesses need to submit a special processes safety plan (known as a HACCP Plan), pay an application fee of $315, and agree to a few simple rules:

• Establishment must post signs that notify patrons that dogs may be on the premises
• The patio must have an outdoor entrance so dogs don’t have to go through an interior dining area, and there must be self-closing doors between the patio and interior area
• The patio must be cleaned with animal-friendly chemicals at the beginning of each shift, or every six hours if the business does not have defined shifts
• Any dog bathroom “accidents” must be cleaned and the area sanitized within 5 minutes
• Wait staff and other restaurant food-handlers may not touch any dog
• Dogs must remain on leash, and must have collars with current license and rabies tag
• Dogs may not be on tables or chairs
• Dogs should be given water in a disposable container, but may not eat food (including dog food or treats)
• Dogs may not have contact with any dishes or utensils

The variance is good for one year and establishments in good standing may renew it in subsequent years for a $100 fee.

Food service establishments interested in applying for the variance should contact the Salt Lake County Health Department Food Protection Bureau at 385-468-3845.

Food Service Establishments with “Paws on the Patio” Variances
As of May 31, 2017

• California Pizza Kitchen
  6227 South State Street, #1
  Murray
• Campfire Lounge
  837 East 2100 South
  Salt Lake City
• Eggs in the City
  1675 East 1300 South
  Salt Lake City
• Fisher Brewing Company
  320 West 800 South
  Salt Lake City
• Flatbread
  2121 South McClelland Street
  Salt Lake City
• Log Haven
  6451 Millcreek Canyon Road
  Millcreek
• Pig and a Jelly Jar
  401 East 900 South
  Salt Lake City
• Taqueria 27
  149 East 200 South
  Salt Lake City
• Taqueria 27
  1615 South Foothill Boulevard
  Salt Lake City
• Taqueria 27
  4670 South Holladay Boulevard
  Holladay
• Uinta Brewing Company
  1722 South Fremont Drive
  Salt Lake City
• Wasatch Brew Pub Sugar House
  2110 South Highland Drive
  Salt Lake City