A COFFEE lover has said he will no longer frequent his favourite haunt after it started allowing dogs.

Richard Eaton, of Worcester, called Coffee#1’s new rule “disappointing” and said he will no longer visit branches in the city and Droitwich as a result.

“Dogs being admitted to places where food is being served and prepared is a hygiene issue,” said the 53-year-old.

“This dog friendliness has become more and more widespread, but not everyone feels the same way as the dog owners.”

Mr Eaton said he and his wife, who did not wish to be named, regularly use the Droitwich branch in Saint Andrew’s Square, sometimes up to three times a week.

The couple, who he said are not dog haters, first became aware of the new policy last Saturday when a customer came in with their dog.

“It’s a shame – both my wife and I enjoyed going for a coffee there after doing some shopping, and we could people watch for an hour,” said Mr Eaton. “But we won’t go anymore – we choose not to.”

He said the barista confirmed there is a table at the rear of the coffee shop designated for dog owners, before he contacted Coffee#1 on Twitter and it confirmed the new scheme is company wide.

Mr Eaton said if another customer with a dog wants to enter but the area is full, it will put staff in a “difficult position” and will more than likely lead to them allowing more dogs in.

“Before long dogs are everywhere,” he continued.

“Unless people like myself come out and say we’re not happy, before you know it dogs will be in all the coffee shops, supermarkets and restaurants, and I’m sorry but it’s not necessary to do that.”

Mr Eaton said he has no problem with dogs in pubs, however, as if other customers want to eat, they can move to the restaurant area.

“The pub is for everyone, it’s a public house. If you want to go for a pint after walking your dog with friends, I have no problem with that.”

A Coffee#1 spokeswoman said local food safety bodies have been contacted regarding the new policy, which allows admittance of well-behaved dogs on leads only. 

She said the designated areas are "well away" from where food is prepared and counters, while boundaries of the zones must be respected at all times regardless of how many dog owners want to enter at once.