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Café dog sparks heated debate over dining rules that every pet owner needs to know

Food and Lifestyle

Café dog sparks heated debate over dining rules that every pet owner needs to know

1756184968199.png Café dog sparks heated debate over dining rules that every pet owner needs to know
A café revealed it was fined after a dog was seen near its kitchen. Credit: Instagram

The tables were turned at a popular Sydney café when a furry regular found himself at the centre of a community storm that's got everyone barking about where our four-legged friends really belong during brunch.



La Bottega in Leichhardt has been licking its wounds after copping an $880 council fine for having its resident dog, Pongo, spotted near the kitchen area.

What followed was a social media showdown that's divided the local community faster than you can say 'puppuccino.'



The Italian café, which has proudly worn the crown of 'Best Dog-Friendly Cafe in Sydney' according to TimeOut and Urban List, found itself in the doghouse after a reviewer claimed to witness 'dogs roaming freely inside, including the kitchen area, which is very clearly illegal.'



When good intentions meet hard regulations



The controversy began when a disgruntled customer photographed Pongo and reported the café to the council. The reviewer claimed they were 'thrown out by the owners after taking a picture of the dog' and described witnessing 'unprofessional and arrogant behaviour' in their scathing review.









La Bottega's management hit back, insisting the photo 'clearly shows our dog sitting outside the kitchen area, in the main cafe space' and that their policy ensures 'our dog or anyone else's dog is never allowed in food preparation zones.'



But here's where many café owners and pet lovers get caught out—the rules around dogs in dining venues are stricter than most people realise.










NSW regulations for dogs in cafes


Pet dogs may only be permitted in outdoor dining areas that are not enclosed. If an outdoor open dining area is enclosed—even for a short time, such as using café blinds and a retractable awning in winter, dogs are not allowed during that time.


No pets or animals (other than fish) are allowed in any food handling areas, such as the kitchen and food storage areas.


Only Guide Dogs are assistance animals and, by law, are allowed access to any public dining area in cafés, restaurants, pubs and clubs.




What this means for dog-loving diners



For many seniors who enjoy the companionship of dining out with their beloved pets, this incident highlights the importance of understanding where dogs are genuinely welcome. The reality is quite different from what many popular 'dog-friendly' venues might suggest.



Pet dogs may be permitted, but only in outdoor dining areas that are not enclosed. If you enclose an outdoor open dining area, even for a short time (for example if in winter you use café blinds and a retractable awning), then dogs are not allowed while it is enclosed.



This means that cosy indoor tables with your canine companion aren't actually permitted under Australian food safety standards, despite what you might see at some establishments.









The community response to Pongo's plight revealed just how emotionally invested people become in their local café culture. One supporter named Patricia left a fiery five-star review, declaring: 'If you don't like the dog, don't come to this café. How could you ruin it for Pongo and those who are dog lovers. What vindictive, miserable people.'



Others were more pragmatic, with one commenter noting: 'A dog being in the kitchen is a pretty reasonable crash out.'




'This means our little Pongo will now be spending his weekdays in daycare, but there's always light at the end of the tunnel. I'll keep fighting to bring Pongo back where he belongs—greeting our customers in the place he loves to call home'

La Bottega cafe



Understanding the health concerns



The NSW Food Authority isn't trying to be killjoys—there are genuine health reasons behind these regulations. Animals can carry pathogenic organisms that can contaminate food, and they may also contaminate food physically, for example, through fur, droppings and whole insects.









For seniors with potentially compromised immune systems, these food safety measures are particularly important. Businesses must maintain high standards of food safety and hygiene to ensure animals do not contaminate food.



The proper way to dine out with your dog



If you're a senior who loves bringing your furry friend along for coffee dates, here's how to do it right:




Essential etiquette for dining with dogs



  • Make a courtesy call to check the café's pet policy and ensure they welcome canine guests. Some establishments may have specific rules or restrictions

  • Ensure your dog is well-fed before entering the restaurant. A satisfied pup is less likely to be tempted by delicious smells from other diners' plates

  • Opt for a table away from other diners, especially young children. This allows your pet to remain calm and minimises distractions

  • Keep your dog off chairs and benches—they should remain on the ground or floor

  • Only bring well-trained dogs to cafés and restaurants




Remember, taking your dog to a restaurant is a privilege, not a right. Only well-mannered and groomed dogs should accompany their owners for a meal. It is offered as a courtesy by the restaurant, even if local laws permit it.









The bigger picture for pet-friendly venues



La Bottega's troubles reflect a broader challenge facing Australia's growing dog-friendly dining scene. Many restaurants now cater to dog owners who want to enjoy a meal with their pets, making it one of the most dog-friendly cities in Australia, but this popularity has led to confusion about what's actually legal.



La Bottega found its home in the Inner West suburb of Leichhardt, which has long been known as Sydney's Little Italy. The boutique spot carries forward the European café custom of welcoming four-legged friends, with a sun-soaked alfresco area.



The irony isn't lost that a venue celebrated for being dog-friendly found itself fined for the very thing that made it popular. It's a reminder that good intentions need to align with actual regulations.









What happens next?



For now, Pongo is spending his weekdays in doggy daycare while the café sorts out its compliance issues. The management remains optimistic, stating they'll 'keep fighting to bring Pongo back where he belongs—greeting our customers in the place he loves to call home.'



The incident serves as a wake-up call for both venue owners and pet-loving diners. While the emotional bond between communities and their local café dogs is undeniable, food safety regulations exist for everyone's protection.



For seniors who've grown fond of Pongo or similar café companions, this situation highlights the importance of supporting venues that do things properly—with designated outdoor spaces where dogs can safely socialise while everyone enjoys their meal within the bounds of the law.



The community divide over this issue shows just how much our four-legged friends mean to us, but perhaps it's time we all learned the rules so we can keep enjoying those special moments without landing our favourite venues in hot water.



What This Means For You


What do you think about the balance between dog-friendly hospitality and food safety regulations? Have you had experiences dining out with your pet that opened your eyes to these rules? Share your thoughts and stories in the comments below.




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Ridiculous!

So many people are dirtier than dogs/animals. :)
 
I recently wrote a very stern letter to the management of our local Bunnings store. I should have reported them. Two people brought dogs into the cafe and had them on their laps petting them while waiting for food. Then they got up and handled all the cutlery that other people have to use - picking up things and putting them back. In both cases, the dogs looked unclean. It made me feel quite ill seeing their owners handling cutlery other people will use after handling their dog.

I have also had dogs licking my legs, pushing against them, or barking at me when I'm earring, and it makes me very uncomfortable. Owners tell me 'He/she won't hurt you. Just being friendly." Well, I don't want YOUR dog being friendly when I'm eating out, thank you.

I love dogs. I have had dogs as pets at times. But there is no law that says everyone has to love YOUR dog. Dogs don't belong around other people's food or eating utensils or bothering people who are trying to enjoy a meal out.
 
we won’t go to coffee shops/restaurants that allow dogs inside - we don’t want other peoples dogs sniffing around us while we are trying to eat our meal. Also, we won’t book a dog friendly cabin at Caravan parks, as majority of people will have their dogs sleeping on the bed with them. I have nothing against dogs, as I have had many over the years - but I object to sharing my leisure time with other peoples dogs.
 
Assistance animals who have passed the Public Access Test, by law are allowed in enclosed restaurant dining areas . Guide dogs are NOT the only Assistance animal. This is false reporting. Please check your information and the Law Disability Discrimination Act 1992
 
We travel with my constant companion. My miniature dachshund. We always phone first to see if she can acompany us. She is fully trained and sits "in her place" under my chair. She alleviates my mental disability. I have a letter from my specialist to say why I have her and she wears a collar stating she is a therapy dog. (Not an assistant dog) although I fail to see the difference between therapy, and a highly expensive, PTSD dog. We appreciate the laws and never take her into a restaurants that have open kitchens. I am a pet lover and appreciate it when I can take her. I understand people who are not lovers of pets in public places but most people don't even know she is there unless they see her arrive. As more and more 'grey nomads' travel with pets I think a little more understanding would be appreciated.
 
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1. It really is important to remember pet ownership is a privilege, not a right: any pet ownership.
2. People who have issues with dogs should not go to any pet-friendly venue. The wowser who dobbed La Bottega in is one of those people who have to make life miserable for anyone not abiding by their warped set of values.
3. Health regulations are there to protect people. I very much doubt if Pongo ever peed or pooped in the kitchen area, but that isn't the issue. The issue is the hair and dander that every animal sheds, the potential contamination when Pongo pants. I think it is a little overboard considering the problems some cafe's and restaurants have with rats, mice and cockroaches - all much more serious health hazards than a dog wandering through the kitchen!
We live in a too-sterile society, as far as I am concerned. Says meigh, with two cats and a dog not only in the house but on the furniture... But I certainly don't have rats and mice inside! (Or even in the yard - one cat and the dog, a fox terrier, are sudden death on both rats and mice.)
 
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Reactions: Gus and britz58
FARK THE COUNCILS!!!

Once agin Australia takes another step backwards because of money hungry self appointed do gooders.

This country should take a leaf out of the books of Turkey, Japan and probably a number of other countries that openly look after animals, which are mostly strays and abandoned.

They have machines that provide food for them, there are warm dry places for them to sleep (one I noticed was a café/diner. On closing there were cushioned benches for the dogs to sleep on).

Cats roam freely and are never sadistally brutalised by anybody.

There is probably more, but not in this country.
 
  • Wow
Reactions: Gus
I understand about the Health regulations but in saying that the dogs that would be there like Pango would probably be Cleaner than most people. But if they are beside the owner and have water and a bed and not in the kitchen area of food preparation then what’s the problem. Or is it that someone got their nose out of joint about something, and are just causing a stir or perhaps they just want the owner to pay them to just SHUT UP. and then that becomes extortion, I really think that, that needs to looked into or could it be that the dogs get more attention than they do?? Thank you and this is just my opinion.
 
Why do old people get so miserable and critical?
I would rather dine with well behaved dogs than screaming kids running around. Apparently there are no laws and no one seems to mind unruly children.
 
Why do old people get so miserable and critical?
I would rather dine with well behaved dogs than screaming kids running around. Apparently there are no laws and no one seems to mind unruly children.
 
Why do old people get so miserable and critical?
I would rather dine with well behaved dogs than screaming kids running around. Apparently there are no laws and no one seems to mind unruly children.
You’re making an absurd comparison. “well behaved dogs” and “screaming kids running around”. To be fair, what about barking dogs running around and well behaved kids??
 
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Personally, I’m not keen on animals in dining places (anxiety). That’s my problem, so I would avoid those places.
However, I think they’re a great idea for those that do like pet-friendly places.
It’s simple.
If you don’t like it - don’t go!
If it’s for you - follow the rules!
 
I have a service dog. What’s the difference it is a dog?So if my girl is ok any dog if under control and accepted by customers why not? Even if little pongo was comfy in a good size doggy crate that should be enough.
What about cat cafes? They are on the table ( I have cats so doesn’t bother me)
 
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You’re making an absurd comparison. “well behaved dogs” and “screaming kids running around”. To be fair, what about barking dogs running around and well behaved kids??
My children were well behaved when dining in restaurants. These days parents think it is their right to allow their kids to scream and annoy everyone. Dogs are nicer than many people. They don't complain about everything.
 
Why do old people get so miserable and critical?
I would rather dine with well behaved dogs than screaming kids running around. Apparently there are no laws and no one seems to mind unruly children.
My children were well behaved when dining in restaurants. These days parents think it is their right to allow their kids to scream and annoy everyone. Dogs are nicer than many people. They don't complain about everything.
What makes you think it’s only “old people who get miserable and critical”? Sure, some are but so are some younger people too.

I wasn’t questioning your children’s behaviour. And no one I know of likes to be around unruly children. But your comparison between “well behaved dogs” and “screaming kids running around” is irrelevant.
 
Why do old people get so miserable and critical?
I would rather dine with well behaved dogs than screaming kids running around. Apparently there are no laws and no one seems to mind unruly children.
While you dine on a meal of Sweet And Sour Bow Wow....
 
I recently wrote a very stern letter to the management of our local Bunnings store. I should have reported them. Two people brought dogs into the cafe and had them on their laps petting them while waiting for food. Then they got up and handled all the cutlery that other people have to use - picking up things and putting them back. In both cases, the dogs looked unclean. It made me feel quite ill seeing their owners handling cutlery other people will use after handling their dog.

I have also had dogs licking my legs, pushing against them, or barking at me when I'm earring, and it makes me very uncomfortable. Owners tell me 'He/she won't hurt you. Just being friendly." Well, I don't want YOUR dog being friendly when I'm eating out, thank you.

I love dogs. I have had dogs as pets at times. But there is no law that says everyone has to love YOUR dog. Dogs don't belong around other people's food or eating utensils or bothering people who are trying to enjoy a meal out.
Agree with you totally. My service dog is so well behaved but has a sniff that tells me a wee has happened. But she never does anything wrong. Some people are just grubs and what you described was I hope not common.
 
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Reactions: Chicky
While you dine on a meal of Sweet And Sour Bow Wow....
Yes indeed veggie, I think it is the not so well behaved dogs and owners that are the problem. The pet aisle is a feast of wee smells for my girl. She never lifts a leg though.
 
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Reactions: Chicky

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