Pubgoers up in arms after council crackdown on furry friends

Neil runs the local watering hole and he takes his best mate Bailey to work most days.

In fact, everyone and their best friend is welcome.

But a recent warning from the council has left them barking mad.

Watch the full video in the player above.

STATEMENT FROM FOOD STANDARDS AUSTRALIA NEW ZEALAND Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ) is the independent statutory authority responsible for the development and maintenance of the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code (the Code). The Code sets out the legal requirements for food produced or imported for sale in Australia and New Zealand to support a safe food supply for consumers. While we set the standards in the Code, we do not enforce them. In Australia, this is the responsibility state and territory food regulatory agencies.

Under the Code, food businesses may choose to allow companion dogs in outdoor dining areas. Assistance animals are permitted in areas used by customers, but not in areas where food is handled. The Code was amended in 2025 through Application A1314 – Permitting small dogs and cats in aircraft cabins, to allow companion dogs and cats in dining areas of aircraft cabins under controlled conditions. This permission is limited to aircraft cabins and does not apply to other indoor dining settings such as pubs, cafes or restaurants. The previous relevant change to the Code was in 2012 through Proposal P1018 – Companion Dogs in Outdoor Dining Areas, which allowed food businesses to permit companion dogs in outdoor dining areas.

Any changes to the Code need to be assessed by FSANZ using current data and scientific evidence. The evidence must show proposed changes would protect public health and safety to an equivalent or improved level compared with existing requirements. FSANZ must also consider other aspects including impacts on food businesses, regulators and the public. More information on changing the code is available on our website: Changing the Code.