One outraged customer said they will no longer visit in the wake of the ban
The business said it doesn’t want to lose any customers due to the cafe being ‘overcrowded’ by dogs. (Image: Wolfgang Kaehler / LightRocket / Getty Images)
A Leicestershire cafe has banned dogs due to them becoming a “risk” to customers – but the move has divided opinion.
Butterfly Barn, which is based in Birstall’s Sibson Road, has taken the action after it said it had received a number of complaints from customers surrounding dogs inside the cafe.
Staff said they don’t want to lose customers due to the cafe becoming “overcrowded” by dogs, adding that allowing pets inside was becoming a “risk” to customers, with fears people could have an accident by “tripping over” them.
In a message, staff at Butterfly Barn said: “We have unfortunately had to make the decision to no longer allow dogs in the cafe.
“As much as we like to see your furry babies it’s becoming a risk and we have received a few complaints about it.
“We don’t want to lose any customers due to the cafe being over crowded by dogs or for anyone to have an accident tripping over them.
“Your pooches are welcome outside and we will always offer them a pup cup, but from today onwards it’ll be a no dogs allowed cafe. We hope you understand.”
The ban come into effect on Wednesday (September 9) and has sparked a debate among Butterfly Barn customers, with one person saying they will no longer visit the coffee shop.
One person said: “Genuine question – what about kids? They get under your feet and can trip people up? They can annoy people and get in their faces. If you’re banning dogs for those reasons then it’s only fair.”
A second said: “If it’s overcrowded by dogs then surely you’re going to lose their owners as customers instead by excluding them?”
Someone else said: “Won’t be coming anymore then.”
Others backed the cafe’s decision. One said: “I understand, and I will still walk Luna down to get our coffee and pup cup. Will you allow dogs into the counter to order and then sit outside? Xx.”
A second said: “Good decision.”
