A COFFEE shop has changed its “dog-friendly” policy following multiple incidents.

Our Coffee Shop, in Spital, announced to its customers that it would no longer be allowing dogs inside their café.

The popular establishment, which is well known for its afternoon teas and all-day breakfasts, has always been what they described as a “dog-friendly premises”.

The eatery took to social media on Monday (September 25) to update customers on the changes.

In a statement, they said: “Very important change at Our Coffee Shop. It is very sad, but we have no choice but to not allow any furry pets inside the coffee shop anymore.

“We have always been a dog-friendly premises, but because lately, way too many incidents have happened, as we take pride in our five-star hygiene premises and the overall comfort and relaxed atmosphere of our customers is our priority we just can't carry on this way.

“Of course, we still have the outside area where they are more than welcome. They will still receive their water and complimentary biscuits but if you are thinking of sitting in we can’t accommodate them anymore. Thank you for understanding.”

In a reply to one person’s comment the coffee shop added that the decision was due to incidents involving “unfriendly” and “untrained” dogs.

They said: “We went on the idea that everyone has common sense and is respectful towards the other people around. Accidents happen but when you know you have a not friendly, not trained or purely yappy dog - or you just don’t like to keep your dog on a leash in a public place and prefer keeping them on the furniture and couches after a muddy walk where other people will sit on with their clothes after - you’d expect to know that these are not acceptable in eat-in premises.

“Clearly, we were wrong and even though we clean nonstop, I don’t think my team needs to worry about how to deal with these types of situations as a main concern when they should actually concentrate on the best customer service for all customers.”

The post was met with a mix of comments from customers with many in support of the new rule while others were left disappointed.

One person said: “Definitely the right decision, makes me feel confident in your customer service and your amazing food remaining 5*! If people want to take their dogs out there are plenty of places with designated cafe areas for this. Can’t wait to try the fritters again.”

A second said: “Very happy to hear this, I have pet fur allergies and my partner has trauma due to a dog attack as a child, so it helps.”

Another added: “Totally understand this. Well done for putting your customers first. This must have been a very hard decision.”

A third person said: “Really gutted to hear this. We'll be there for summer then and have to look elsewhere for a mid-walk spot for winter. Sorry to hear there's been problems.”

Another person said: “Such a shame we won't be able to visit anymore, we've been loyal customers for years!”