Trial option: Hospitality owners call for change to laws after Brisbane cafe forced to shut out dogs

Hospitality owners are calling for the state to exercise its powers to amend “outdated” laws to allow dogs in cafes and bars.

Little Genovese in Coorparoo has had to ban four-legged friends from entering the cafe. Photo: supplied

Hospitality owners are calling for a change to what they say are outdated food and safety laws, to allow dogs inside venues, after it can be revealed the state has powers to amend laws on a 12-month trial.

It comes after Little Genovese in Coorparoo earlier this month announced to customers canines were no longer welcome inside.

Little Genovese in Coorparoo has had to ban four-legged friends from entering the cafe. Photo: supplied

Cafe owner Kylie Loch believed the complaint was made about dogs being in areas where food was handled.

Under the Food Standards Code, animals are not allowed in areas where food is handled or served. The only loophole is that a business can allow dogs in outdoor dining areas.

“I would like to see (a law change) happen, will it happen? That is the thing. It’s a case-by-case basis,” Ms Loch said.

“It actually has opened such a can of worms for me - I would like to see it in, trialled in certain venues. Not every venue is ideal for it. The other thing I would like to see is that they can come in and (while the owner is ordering) and go outside.

“I wouldn’t leave my dog outside, I don’t think they should be left unsupervised.”

It can now be revealed that there is a loophole in Queensland laws under the Food Regulation Agreement (FRA), that was last amended in 2010 to allow for a 12-month change to food laws.

Archer Brewing owner Steve Martin has been campaigning for a change to the Food Act laws, and launched a petition in February that has since received more than 15,000 signatures.

Archer Brewing in Wilston received a complaint in November last year to Brisbane City Council concerning dogs in areas where food is handled.

Archer Brewing at Wilston. Photo: Instagram

The brewery has been negotiating with council officers, with the owners desperate to have their pet dog Archer – who the brewery is named after – allowed back on to the premises.

“We welcome any review of the law restricting access to licences venues for dogs. We believe it should be at the venue owner’s discretion,” Mr Martin said.

“During this exceptionally difficult financial period for small business, we believe small changes like this could make the difference. Our business model was to build our business around our locals and that includes our four-legged friends. We support local sport clubs, schools and charities and in turn hope local people will support us.”

Archer Brewing owners Lucy and Stuart Martin with their dog (and brewery namesake) Archer. Picture: Nigel Hallett

Mr Martin said since the restrictions had been placed on the brewery, he had noticed a reduced number of walk-ins in the venue.

“I think Queensland have an opportunity here to lead the country in changing an outdated law for the better,” he said.

Mr Martin emailed Jimmy Sullivan’s office in June, and received a reply from the Health Ministers office that said under the FRA no state or territory may establish or amend a food standard.

“However, the FRA only allows a state or territory to introduce a new food standard or vary a standard for an issue affecting public health and safety for a maximum of 12 months,” a spokesman said.

“The jurisdiction must notify FSANZ of the intention to introduce a new standard or vary a standard, and make an immediate application to FSANZ to vary the Food Standards Code. FSANZ must then expedite the application to vary the Food Standards Code and notify the Food Ministers’ meeting within six months of any variations to the Food Standards Code.”

Little Genovese at Coorparoo.

Queensland could introduce a new food standard that is not in the Food Standards Code, such as allowing dogs in dining areas for a maximum of 12 months.

“During this time, the proposed changes must be considered Food Standards Australia New Zealand and if it is not agreed nationally to introduce such a requirement into the Food Standards Code, Queensland would need to rescind the requirement,” a spokesman said.

Brisbane Lord Mayor Adrian Schrinner blasted the state and federal laws earlier this month when the Little Genovese cafe had to ban dogs from entering.

“This is another example of other levels of government setting the rules, but expecting councils to enforce them,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Brisbane residents are rightly asking whether these rules should be reviewed to allow cafés and restaurants to welcome dogs just like they do across the globe.

“With common sense Federal and State laws, Council could work with local businesses to help them find areas at their venues where dogs can go.”

More than 111,092 dogs were registered to Brisbane City Council in the 2024 financial year, with the council receiving a total of 41 complaints since 2022 concerning dogs in areas where food is handled.