It may come as a surprise to some dog owners, but Eden Prairie restaurants aren’t allowed to have dogs on their dining patios. Until now, that is.
A new ordinance that allows restaurants to obtain a city permit to welcome dogs on their outdoor patios was approved by the Eden Prairie City Council on Oct. 15 and will go into effect upon publication.
It turns out that city and chamber of commerce officials, as well as some restaurant owners, were equally surprised that dogs aren’t already allowed on the patios of Eden Prairie restaurants – with the exception of service dogs and police canines, that is – and that approval of an ordinance and permits are required to make it happen.
The topic came up during last month’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new T.J. Hooligans Pub & Grub restaurant on Shady Oak Road, an event attended by Eden Prairie Mayor Ron Case and Eden Prairie Chamber of Commerce President Pat MulQueeny.
Restaurant owner Mike Newlin mentioned to Case and MulQueeny that a Hennepin County health inspector, during a pre-opening check of the restaurant, noted that T.J. Hooligans’ patio would not be allowed to have dogs, since Eden Prairie had no special ordinance permitting it.
“I’m like, ‘What?’” Case recalled.
Newlin said Case and MulQueeny were as surprised as he was. “The mayor,” he added, “was like, ‘We’ll look into this.’”
As they say, calls were made.
According to state law, cities wanting to allow dogs on the patios of food and beverage establishments need to have an ordinance expressly approving the practice. Eden Prairie officials say they weren’t aware of that stipulation, and neither had they been approached by restaurants seeking permission.
“No one’s ever asked,” said Case. “That’s the bigger, interesting question in my mind.”
An ordinance allowing restaurants to apply for a city permit was quickly crafted, placed on the city council’s agenda, and passed unanimously.
Newlin, who has had puppy-related patio promotions at his other restaurant, in Prior Lake, said he’s looking forward to hosting customers and their dogs on his Eden Prairie patio.
“We’re having one heck of a fall here because of the beautiful weather,” he added, so they’re hopeful that with a few more nice fall days, dogs and their owners can enjoy T.J. Hooligans’ outdoor dining area before cold temperatures arrive.
Newlin said he’s grateful for the quick action that was taken. “I’ve got to give credit to the mayor and Pat from the chamber,” he said.
Not all restaurants will be interested in permitting dogs on their patios. But, city officials said that for those who are interested, the special permits, when approved, will carry no fee.
The ordinance contains make-sense provisions such as:
- Dogs must be on a leash and under control.
- Employees are prohibited from petting or otherwise handling the dogs.
- Pet owners and employees must keep dogs off of and away from the tables and dinnerware.
- Dog waste must be disposed of immediately and the area sanitized.
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