AUSTIN, Texas - Would you love to have lunch with man's best friend? While it's a pretty common occurrence on outdoor patios in the Capital City, one state lawmaker wants to make it easier for all dogs to be able to join their owners for a bite outside. 

  • Great deal of red tape exists for restaurant owners to allow pets on patios
  • State senator proposing elimination of some of that red tape 
  • Bill would require pets be kept on leashes

Canine company is part of the culture at Banger's Sausage House and Beer Garden in downtown Austin. 

"It's one of those things that has always been a part of who we are," said Banger's owner Ben Siegel. 

Guests expect a pup - or two or three - to be a part of their dining experience. 

"When I see dogs at bars, I'm much more likely to patronize that bar," said one Banger's customer. 

But you'd have a different dining experience at Palmer's in San Marcos.  It's a bit more upscale and has a significantly smaller patio. 

"We just don't allow the pets because a lot of guests are not looking for that. We do have a lot of travelers at times that come through with their animals, but they're very cordial and understanding," said owner Monte Sheffield.  

Right now, if a restaurant or bar owner wanted to allow dogs on their outdoor patio, he or she would have to go through their city; in most cases, there's an application, a fee and strict structural requirements that determine whether or not the owner would be approved. 

Texs state Sen. Kelly Hancock, R-North Richland Hills, says all that red tape isn't necessary. He's proposed a bill that would eliminate any sort of approval process for business owners. The bill wouldn't require Sheffield to allow pups on this patio, it would just mean that the folks over at Banger's wouldn't have to apply for another permit, to allow pups on theirs. 

A caveat to the bill's language that even the most dog-friendly can get behind. 

"If people don't want dogs around, that should be their right as well," said Siegel.  

The bill would require animals to stay outside at all times, and be on leashes. There also must be no food preparation taking place in the outside area.