Dogs win a place on the patio at L.A. County restaurants

The health inspector arrived with bad news: no dogs on the outdoor patio.

It was an especially difficult moment for Chris Simms, founder of the Lazy Dog Cafe, who prided himself on offering a Fido-friendly atmosphere.

His menu caters to humans, but his chain of restaurants had long welcomed dogs — illegally in Los Angeles County, though he didn't know it.

But a chance encounter between one of Simms' managers and a customer, L.A. County Supervisor Don Knabe, dining in Cerritos, has resulted in new, relaxed public health rules announced Monday.

"I'm just ecstatic just to be able to have dogs out on our patio," Simms said. "It's going to make a lot of our guests very happy.... It gives you hope that the government is truly representing us."

The old rules banned dogs from outdoor restaurant patios enclosed by a fence, but dogs were allowed to sit near sidewalk tables.

"This is good news for both pets and owners," said Dr. Jonathan Fielding, director of the county Department of Public Health.

"This empowers restaurant owners" to invite dogs onto outdoor patios, he said. "I think it's going to mean enhanced business for some restaurants."

He added: "I'm hoping my dog will invite me out for lunch."

The new county rules allow each restaurant to decide whether to allow or continue banning canines from outdoor patios. County officials said patrons should ask the restaurants' permission before taking dogs onto the patio.

They also suggested that dogs be walked before entering the restaurant so they will be relaxed while the owner is dining.

The county said pet dogs must enter the patio through an outdoor gate and not be taken inside the establishment. Dogs will not be allowed on chairs, seats or tables.

The new rules go into effect immediately throughout Los Angeles County except in the cities of Long Beach, Pasadena and Vernon, which have their own public health agencies.

Simms, the founder of the Lazy Dog Cafe chain, which first opened in 2003, said he has not had any problems inviting dogs to his outdoor patios in restaurants in Orange, Riverside and Ventura counties.

ron.lin@latimes.com

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Dogs win a place on the patio at L.A. County restaurants