No more ‘hair of the dog’ at popular St Kilda bar

St Kilda pet lovers say they’re shattered after popular local pub Freddie Wimpoles was forced to ban customers from bringing their dogs inside — all because of council rules.

Punters have been left shattered after popular St Kilda drinking hole Freddie Wimpoles was forced to change its pet-friendly policy. Picture: Instagram

Puppy-loving punters have been left shattered after popular St Kilda drinking hole Freddie Wimpoles was forced to change its pet friendly policy and ban people from bringing their dogs into the venue.

The Fitzroy St establishment released a statement Thursday that said the council had reminded them to keep customers’ dogs outside at all times.

“It has been such a lovely time getting to know your fur-babies and providing a space for you and them to kick back and relax,” it read.

“Unfortunately, due to council legislation non-registered service animals are not allowed inside venues.

“Moving forward pets are still welcome in our outdoor seating area, but no longer inside the venue. Thank you for your understanding and see you at the bar soon!”

A pooch enjoys a seat at the bar at Freddie Wimpoles. Picture: Instagram

It was an announcement that didn’t sit well with locals with many lamenting that they will now not have the company of any cute canines while enjoying a pint inside.

“One of my favourite things about Freddies is all the good boys and girls inside. This sucks,” one wrote.

“We appreciate the loyalty and your accommodations to our fur babies while we played pool & drank pints,” posted another.

One person pointed out that a number of venues had recently made similar announcements, like the local bowls club and Trinity Bar, and that public complaints were behind them.

“I was told by a staff member (at Trinity) that the ban on inside dogs was due to a complaint to the council,” they wrote. “Staff seemed disappointed.”

A pup peruses the Freddie Wimpoles menu. Picture: Instagram

Port Phillip Council Mayor Lousie Crawford told the Herald Sun they were just enforcing state regulations on animals indoors at food serving venues, and that she understood it would be disappointing to many.

“While we always try to be mindful that Port Phillip is home to many dog lovers, all Victorian council health departments are required to enforce the National Food Safety Standard adopted in Victoria via the Victorian Government’s Food Act 1984,” she said.

“We take a strong education approach to rules relating to dogs in food premises.

“Our Council wrote to all food operators in our City in 2019 to remind them of these rules and generally remind businesses during routine inspections, if necessary, and give them an opportunity to comply.

“We have not fined Freddy Wimpoles for any breaches relating to dogs, which can be up to $1976 for a company.

“And, as the Freddie Wimpoles’ Instagram post notes: ‘furry friends are still welcome to be in our outdoor seating’.”