I had a phone call yesterday from enviromental health regarding our dog in the pub. Apparently someone complained to them saying that we let Mason wander through the kitchen, jump up at tables & people and steal food from customers. I am completly distraught as we and all of our regulars know he is the most well behaved and placid dog. He has never stepped foot in the kitchen since he was 8weeks old, only lieing at the door looking in. He has his own stair case to our house which by-passes food prep area's also. He has never stolen anything from a customer nor put his nose higher than the edge of the table. And as for jumping up i have no idea as he never has. I am really worried that they will say I can have him here even though everything that has been accused is wholly untrue. I understand that not everyone likes dogs and if I sense anyone is the slightest bit uneasy with him around he goes upstairs. He is not allowed down during food service as he does try and 'hoover'. I really don't know what I am suposed to do now, or why someone would say such untrue, horrible things. I'm sure dogs are allowed in pubs etc as long as they are not near food prep. areas.

Take a look at this link:

http://www.saferpets.co.uk/can-i-keep-dog-hotel-premises.html

Just had a word with a colleague upstairs in the food safety section and they say that the legislation only applies to food prep areas.

Having your dog around would make me want to come to your pub, not stay away.

An EHO would have to witness the alleged behaviour to take any action on it and I'm guessing you've just been given standard follow-up phone call.

I really wouldn't worry about this and hopefully the grumpy sod with nothing better to do won't return.

Agree with second poster, stick a sign up "Mason is a member of the bar staff albeit on 4 legs, please dont feed the staff". That should do it. Miserable grumpy old sod I'd come if you had a dog, we go to a lovely pub in the summer because they are dog friendly, Ive got more germs off the kids than the dogs!!

Agggghhhhh some people! 

Thanks for that, I thought I was right. It seems like someone must have come in, seen him and made up some rubbish to spite us.
I've just had him downstairs during our busiest period of the day just to watch how he interacts with people and to see if i've missed something but he is impecible. He does a quick scout of the floor to check for pork scratchings and generally keep the floor clean for his mum (important job!) then goes about saying hello to people who want to fuss him, finds a quiet spot and has a chew on his bone. I think i've gone from upset to angry now as if it was someone with a actual issue they would have spoken to me first instead of causing us alot of hassle.

> Agggghhhhh some people!

With some F's and S's thrown in :)

Thank you all.
Vikki

Presumably its your place? If so.. its up to you who you serve and who you do not serve so stick a note up saying that hes a member of staff, dont feed the staff, and if you dont like him... eat elsewhere!

Some people are just rotten miserable gits. :(