If a bill introduced by State Rep. John Fritchey becomes law then people and their pooches will be dining together outdoors at foodservice establishments all over Illinois.
Some restaurants, such as Brasserie Jo in Chicago, have let customers bring their pets along to dine out even without legal approval.
"For us it's no different than a dog owner walking their animal on the sidewalk," Kevin Reed of Brasserie Jo told WBBM 780.
Brasserie Jo offers free biscuits, steak tartare and bottled water in bowls for patrons who bring along their pooches.
"We like to pamper the pooches," said Mr. Reed.
The proposed law, SB 341, would give municipalities with over one million people the right to create ordinances allowing dogs to dine with their pets at outside eating areas.
"We think it's a great idea. We've always supported animals in the dining areas. It's very French," said Mr. Reed.
Discussion Questions: Do you expect dogs at outdoor eating areas will become commonplace in the U.S.? How will the presence of dogs in these areas affect consumer patronage of restaurants and foodservice operations?