I wouldn't allow cats in my dining room either, Raggy. Impossible to train to stay off furniture, climbing around the chairs, sitting on the table licking their arses. Dirty little buggers. (And yes, I had a number of cats over many years).

My dog, a Border Terrier, does none of those things - he knows his place (on the floor) and stays there. He lies on the floor under the table or behind my feet. He's quiet, and has been properly trained to have good manners, unlike many children I'm forced to endure in eating establishments. He bothers no-one, other than those who offer their attention.

I just wonder how a dog lying quietly under my table poses a hygiene threat to someone else sitting at theirs.

FWIW, there is no law preventing dogs from being in places where food and drink are consumed, only in places where food is prepared, handled, or stored, it's all down to the proprietors' discretion...

http://www.dogfriendlybritain.co.uk/features_detail.asp?Feature=40