A Port Douglas pub has made the difficult decision to ban dogs from now sitting outside of the establishment while their owner(s) enjoy a meal and a frothy or two.

A combination of Food Authority expectations and to ensure quality food and hygienic practices being adhered to are the reasons cited to Newsport that are behind the recent decision.

As it stands Australian States and Territories, including Queensland has an agreement to follow a national food safety mandate put together by Food Standards Australia New Zealand (FSANZ).

The code prevents dogs from setting foot inside kitchens and indoor dining areas. The code was updated in 2013 to allow for dogs to sit with their owners outside of pubs at the sole discretion of business owners.

One argument for the recent decision is the unlikely scenario in which dogs could contaminate food.

In some extremely rare cases their faeces can or could allegedly spread pathogenic organisms which could cause food-borne illness – however (FSANZ) said this would be an extremely rare occurrence.

What do you think, should dogs be allowed to sit with their owners outside of local establishments while eating is taking place?