As of March 2021, dogs are allowed on restaurant patios in Halifax. Previously, dogs which weren't service animals were prohibited from the premises of eateries.
How was the legislation for dog-friendly patios changed in Nova Scotia?
The owners of Dartmouth Taproom launched a petition in 2019, pushing for the dog-friendly patio legislation, which is credited as sparking the eventual legalization in Nova Scotia. Many other restaurant owners supported the petition, helping it to gain steam over the 1 to 2 year period.
Does dog-friendliness help restaurants earn more revenue?
According to Gordon Stewart, executive director of the Restaurant Association in Nova Scotia, restaurants which allow dogs often see about a 5% increase in sales. As he mentions, "many dog owners are more likely to linger on their favourite patio, and order food or another beverage, if their dog can stay with them."
Do restaurant owners have the final say about whether dogs are allowed on patios?
Yes, ultimately the final decision to allow or disallow dogs on patios lies in the hands of restaurant owners.
Is the restaurant information on this page accurate?
While we've done the best we can to gather accurate information, it's not perfect and restaurant policies are constantly changing, so it's highly recommended to call ahead and confirm with your restaurants of choice if dogs are allowed on their patios.
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