news-record.com

CHARLOTTE (MCT) — A proposed rule change that would allow pets to join diners on outdoor patios is still in the works, but attorneys first need to hammer out some new wording.

The amendment was expected to go before the N.C. Rules Review Commission on July 15. If passed, four-legged friends could have been welcome in outdoor dining areas by Sunday.

But discussion on the change was postponed so that attorneys could make some tweaks to the revised language, said Larry Michael, head of the food-protection branch of the N.C. Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

State officials interpret the existing language to ban pets, with the exception of patrol dogs and service animals, in both inside and outside restaurant dining areas.

The proposed rule change would allow cats and dogs on outdoor patios as long as they are restrained and kept away from indoor dining areas, restaurant employees and food service items, Michael said.

South Carolina already allows pets under certain conditions.

The changes being worked on are merely legal technicalities and do not change the intent of the proposal, Michael said.

He expects the rule to go before the state administrative committee at its next meeting on Aug. 19.

''Based on our discussions, we don't anticipate any problems with the rule passing," he said.

If the rule change is approved in August, it could take effect by Sept. 1.