LAKEVILLE — Diners will be able to bring their canine best friend along to outdoor eateries in Lakeville, if the Board of Health adopts regulations discussed at its Tuesday, March 6 meeting.

Board of Health members unanimously agreed to post the proposed regulations on the town website for public review. The regulations will then be voted on at the Wednesday, March 20 meeting.

The issue came to the board’s attention when a restaurant contacted Health Agent Edward Cullen to ask if dogs were permitted in outdoor dining situations. The Food and Drug Administration food code allows dogs in outdoor dining spots if the town approves.

 Dogs are not allowed indoors, unless they are service animals.

 “I wouldn’t want to stop a business from doing something if it’s popular,’’ board member Christopher Spratt said. He said he wants to encourage businesses, not harm them. 

Board member Robert Poillicci stressed that restaurants would not be forced to allow dogs in their outdoor dining areas. Restaurant owners are also allowed to divide the outdoor space between areas where dogs are allowed and where they are prohibited, board members said.

 “This allows the option,’’ board member Derek Maxim said.

 Signs would have to be posted at restaurants that choose to allow dogs.

 Proposed regulations would be:

 Restaurants shall have the right to refuse any dog that is not a service animal from their restaurant. Dogs are not allowed indoors or anywhere food is prepared, not even to walk through to an outdoor area.

 The restaurant shall have the right to refuse to serve the owner of a pet dog if the owner fails to exercise reasonable control over the pet dog or the pet dog is otherwise behaving in a manner that compromises or threatens to compromise the health or safety of any person present in the restaurant.

 The owner is responsible for the behavior of that dog, and the dog must also be on a leash or in a pet carrier.

 Restaurant employees are prohibited from petting or playing with any dogs.

 Dogs are not allowed to eat or drink using the restaurant's glasses, plates, utensils, tableware, linens or any other items involved in food service operations. Dog owners should bring their dog a disposable water bowl.

 All dogs have to stay on the ground.

Areas for dogs must be identified with a sign posted at all entrances to an outdoor area.

Signs are not required at restaurants that choose not to allow pet dogs in outside dining areas.

All dogs must be licensed and vaccinated against rabies. Restaurants must develop plans to handle dogs and their waste. Accidents involving pet dog waste shall be cleaned immediately and the area sanitized with an approved product, by restaurant workers who do not prepare or serve food.

A kit with the appropriate materials for this purpose shall be kept near the designated outdoor area.