TIME has been called on customers taking dogs into JD Wetherspoon pubs across the UK.
The ban on four-legged friends came into force on Monday, September 10 with the Shay Wake in Shaw and Up Steps Inn, Oldham, both affected.
Eddie Gherson, spokesman for the popular independent pub chain, said the reasons behind the change in policy is because dogs can be unpredictable.
Mr Gherson also said: “We welcome a lot of children and families; younger children in particular can be unpredictable around dogs and many are scared of dogs” and “However, assistance/guide dogs will still be admitted.”
The Blue Bell Hotel on Market Street also only admits guide and assistance dogs.
But the Pineapple Inn on Rochdale Road and the Coach and Horses, also on Market Street, will allow well behaved pooches into their establishments.
UK dogsitting company, Dogbuddy, now claims the move could be bad business for the chain.
They said: “Two thirds of owners have decided not to visit a pub because it wasn’t suitable for their dog.”
Dogbuddy have also stated that finding dog friendly pubs in the UK is becoming a struggle for owners.
CEO and founder of the company, Richard Setterwall, said: “Already, 34 percent of dog owners struggle to find a dog-friendly pub.
“Now, with one of the UK’s largest pub chains banning dogs, it seems, it’s going to become even harder.”
Dogbuddy has launched its third annual Dog-friendly Pub Awards. Voting closes on Sunday, October 28.
The winners will be announced Friday, November 9 and anyone can vote for their favourite dog-friendly pub online: www.dogbuddypubs.com