The state of Tennessee is reviewing Senate Bill 2725, which, if passed, would permit "companion" dogs, or dogs not used as aid for the physically handicapped, to accompany their owners on the front porches of restaurants, cafes, bars and grills, as long as they are on a leash. The bill, if passed, will become a law on July 1, 2008.

Current state law prohibits "companion" dogs in areas where food is served, and the bill won't entirely end the ban on dogs. It also gives all patrons of an establishment the option to decline an animal access to front porch areas.

A patron also has the ability to withhold service to any customer who cannot keep reasonable control of the animal, which is defiend as any animal behavior that may threaten the saftey of other customers.

The state has taken health and sanitation precautions into consideration. For example, employees are not allowed to touch or pet an animal if serving food or beverages or waiting on tables and customers. In addition, the animals are not allowed on any furniture including chairs and tables. Dogs may be allowed on front porches, but under no condition is a "companion" dog allowed to go into any indoor areas of an establishment.

If the bill is passed, restaurants must place kits near designated outdoor areas for accidents involving "companion" dog waste. 

Also, patrons must have signage posted for their customers and employees to remind them of the applicable rules.