The well-known indoor/outdoor dog bar in Tampa, Pup’s Pub, has declared that it will permanently close on Saturday, June 7, after the Florida Department of Health reversed its decision, thereby outlawing its business.
The closure puts an end to a court battle that lasted for years between state health regulators and the dog-friendly bar.
When the Florida Department of Health tried to prohibit the pub from letting dogs inside, a judge decided in favor of Pup’s Pub in 2023, finding that the agency had not consistently enforced its regulations.
Pup’s Pub was permitted to keep operating both indoors and out at the time, allowing customers and their pets to socialize.
Despite the fact that the arrangement was previously approved, the proprietors of the firm claim that the health department has suddenly “changed their mind” and determined that indoor operations involving dogs are no longer permitted.
The company and its devoted clientele of dog lovers were taken aback by the change. The owners were upset by the sudden policy change and said that it left them without a viable way forward in a social media statement.
According to one of the proprietors, this goes beyond dogs in bars. Fairness and the effects on small firms of sudden regulation changes are at issue.
To commemorate the memories created over the years and bid farewell, Pup’s Pub has extended an invitation to the community to join a final farewell party on Saturday, June 7, from noon to 11 p.m.
“It is with great sadness and frustration that Pups Pub Tampa will be forced by the state of Florida to close its doors, not because of any wrongdoing, but because of an unjust reversal by the Florida Department of Health (FDOH) and a rubber-stamp decision by the appellate court,” the dog bar posted on Facebook.
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Pup’s Pub has grown to be a local favorite for dog owners wishing to unwind and mingle with their pets in tow, thus the closing is anticipated to create a notable void in Tampa’s pet-friendly social scene.
“Sheila and I are incredibly grateful for all the wonderful people we’ve worked with to create and operate a fun and safe place for thousands of amazing VIP members and both people and pup visitors over the past 5 years,” according to the Facebook post. “This week, we hope to see everyone come out and help us celebrate all the good times and memories shared.”
