Pet dogs soon will be allowed into participating restaurants after parliament approved a proposal, backed by three national parties.
The People-Animals-Nature party, the Left Bloc and The Greens thought it a good idea that pet animals should be allowed inside cafes and restaurants, as well as continuing to allowing guide dogs inside.
The PAN party’s lone MP, André Silva, started a petition to amend the 2015 legislation which prohibits the entry of pets inside catering and drink establishments, even if the proprietor is OK about it.
The PAN initiative wanted to shift the decision making to the owner of the establishment, as to whether pets are allowed, but made it clear that pets are not to be allowed access to 'staff only' areas nor anywhere food preparation areas.
The formal petition to parliament gained all-important Socialist Party votes and the approved law now goes the President of the Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa for his rejection or signature.
The petition went through despite some MPs voting against their official party line.