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Governor Jerry Brown recently signed into law a new bill that makes it legal for patrons to bring their dogs to restaurants, with some restrictions. While previously many restaurants allowed dogs in their outdoor patios, the practice was technically illegal. The new law brings some relief for restaurateurs who have been allowing dogs all along, and may help create even more dog friendly restaurant atmospheres in California. The bill, created by Mariko Yamada, an assembly member representing Davis, will go into effect on January 1st 2015. The law allows dogs on restaurant patios as long as they are on a leash, are well behaved, and are not in any areas where food is being prepared. Cities and counties are still able to impose their own restrictions. While some may scoff at the idea of pets at restaurants, hopefully restaurant goers embrace (and don't abuse) the new policy. What do you think, should dogs be allowed in outdoor patios at restaurants, or are pets best left at home? Share your thoughts with us on Facebook, Google+ and Twitter. Source: Mercury News, Image Credit (Flickr)