The Columbus Health Department has been sending letters to restaurants reminding them that state health codes ban dogs, even in outdoor seating areas.

Not every state is so strict.

California, Florida, Illinois, Maryland, Georgia, New York, Rhodes Island and Tennessee are among states that have changed regulations in the past decade or so to permit outdoor customers to dine with dogs. (Leashes are required in most cases.)

"Michigan is considering a similar change. Surely, Ohio doesn’t want to be seen as less-trendy than Michigan," writes Joe Blundo of the Columbus Dispatch (and he isn't even a dog owner.

If you want to change this code, please sign this petition or contact
Jose Rodriguez (614) 645-6928  jrrodriguez@columbus.gov