If you’re a lover of coffee or dogs – or in this case, likely both – you may have noticed the new “No Dogs Allowed” sign posted in the front window of one of the Central Area’s beloved coffee shops, Tougo Coffee, near the corner of 18th & Union. The cafe has a relaxed, neighborhood living room type of atmosphere and has long been known as kid and dog friendly.
We learned from Erin and Dan’l at Tougo that the Health Department received an emailed complaint that a dog was inside the cafe. Health Department Code clearly states that animals other than service animals may not be allowed in establishments serving food.
Despite not preparing food on the premises the fact that the cafe serves food and beverages does mean that technically Tougo cannot allow animals indoors.
Apparently the health official was very understanding and let them off with a warning, however this means Tougo has to step up their enforcement of the rule. While this is disappointing for dog owners in the neighborhood hopefully it won’t result in the same uproar that occurred when Cafe Ladro on 15th Avenue in Capitol Hill went through a similar experience last April.
If you wander in to the coffee shop with your pooch you will be politely asked to escort your pet outdoors where s/he can enjoy some water and a doggie treat, which they will continue to provide.
