Key facts
- Victoria may amend food safety laws to allow dogs inside pubs and venues if Labor is re-elected in November.
- Currently, dogs are only permitted to dine with owners outside in limited circumstances in Victoria.
- The proposed change aims to align with practices in the UK and Europe, where pet-friendly pubs are common.
- Individual venues will have the discretion to decide whether to permit pets.
- The government also announced plans to allow venues to stay open until 3am if re-elected.
The Victorian premier has announced that if the Labor party is re-elected in November, the state's food safety laws will be amended to permit dogs inside pubs and other venues. This proposed change would overturn the current ban, which largely restricts dogs to outdoor dining areas and is enforced by local councils. Dog owners Steph and Paul expressed enthusiasm for the idea, highlighting the cozy atmosphere of pet-friendly pubs in winter, while acknowledging that not everyone may agree, particularly regarding larger dogs.
Supporters, like Zeke, whose family owns multiple King Charles Cavaliers, noted the need for planning under current restrictions. They believe the move aligns with international trends, with commentator Carroll stating that pet-friendly pubs in Europe have benefited economies and become more family-friendly. The government indicated that individual venues would have the final say on whether to allow pets, following consultation.
Phillip, a Tibetan terrier owner, selects dining locations based on whether his dogs can accompany him, viewing them as integral family members. Kimberley Malcolm from the Australia Hotels Association supported the push for clearer guidelines, suggesting it would benefit both publicans and patrons, especially those without children who consider their dogs their "children."
In addition to the pet-friendly pub policy, Labor also pledged to legislate for venues to have an "automatic right" to stay open until 3am, reduce liquor license wait times, and allow underage staff to clear tables. These announcements come as Labor's primary vote has reportedly declined. Opposition leader Jess Wilson, while not opposed to later pub hours or dogs in venues, questioned the economic impact of these proposals, suggesting they would not significantly boost consumer confidence.