THE Local Hotel in South Fremantle will no longer allow dogs inside the front bar area.
The change comes after a complaint was made to the City of Fremantle.
The Local Hotel owner Phil Thompson said in a statement that the venue had always been, and would always be, dog friendly.
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READ NOW“We had to change our policy regarding dogs inside the front bar area after communication from the council,” he said.
“Dogs are still more than welcome in our al fresco area and we will still provide water bowls for our thirsty friends.”
Hotel regular Amber King said she was “super disappointed” dogs were no longer allowed in the front bar.
“What makes The Local so inviting to people like myself and other locals was their dog policy,” she said.
“My dogs are like my children and I like to take them wherever I go.
“There are usually a handful of dogs in the bar; I have seen up to seven or eight on a really busy day.
“I understand that dogs are not everyone’s liking but given there are other dog-free areas within the pub, I think the decision is a real shame.”
She said the new policy would see her visit the hotel less, especially in winter as sitting outside was “not very comfortable”.
“Unfortunately the Local will suffer because of this complaint,” she said.
“I don’t blame The Local for this new policy, I blame this nanny state we live in.
“Hotel owners should be given some flexibility to who they allow in their establishment.”
City of Fremantle did not answer Fremantle Gazette’s questions about the complaint made to council.
A City spokesman said the State Government had jurisdiction on this issue.
“The State Food Act prohibits dogs from food premises including hotels where food is being consumed,” he said.
“Dogs are permitted in al fresco areas with approval of the proprietor of the venue.”
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