A popular Dublin pub known for throwing open its doors to customers’ four-legged friends, has been told by the HSE that it is no longer allowed welcome dogs inside the establishment.

MVP pub, on Clanbrassil Street in Dublin 8, has been informed that its long tradition of allowing dogs into the bar will have to end.

Lovin Dublin reports that the HSE visited the bar and informed owners that they won’t be permitted to let dogs (or any animals) on the premises.

"We were told we'd be prosecuted if we allowed any more dogs into the bar," co-owner Phoebe Fairbairn said, to Lovin Dublin.

“We're especially devastated for some of our regulars. We've had a few people whose dogs have practically grown up here. As far as we were aware, this wasn't an issue – lots of bars and cafés in Dublin were or are dog-friendly before we opened.

“We are (or were) only dog-friendly because when we did the place up, a few neighbours in the area who were walking by just asked. So we figured why not, we love dogs,” she added.

The bar is reported to not be considering challenging the ruling, and that the owners understand there is to be a wider clampdown on dogs in pubs across the city.