GARDEN ROUTE NEWS - The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has developed a policy to regulate restaurants that wish to welcome dog owners and their dogs.
However, the Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food and Related Matters (Regulation 638 of 22 June 2018) mandates that animals, with the exception of guide or service dogs accompanying individuals with disabilities, should not be allowed in areas where food is handled.
Garden Route Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who spearheaded the policy change, said the policy is related to Section 14(1) of Regulation 638.
The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) has developed a policy to regulate restaurants that wish to welcome dog owners and their dogs.
Restaurants will have to apply for approval of their dog-friendly areas.
Outside
According to the policy, dogs will be allowed only in outdoor or outside seating areas of food establishments, subject to certain conditions. The dog-friendly area must be separated from the food premises and the establishment must provide a separate entrance for patrons with dogs.
There are also guidelines regarding floor surfaces. Only single-use tableware will be allowed for use in the dog-friendly area. The number of dogs accompanying a patron is limited to one and dogs must be on a leash and well behaved.
Only the owner, and not the restaurant, may give food to their dog in their own container. Dog owners will also have to be able to show proof that their dog's vaccinations are up to date.
Markets
At markets, a designated food court must be provided to which dogs have no access, as well as a demarcated area for dog owners and their dogs.
Refined
Herman Pieters, GRDM head of communication, said the policy is being refined to give clarity on certain of the directives.
Stroebel said restaurant owners are eager to implement their plans and the district municipality's community services department has developed the policy in record time so as to allow time for applications for approval.
He said it is a first-of-its-kind policy at a district municipality in South Africa that should reduce red tape and position the Garden Route as an attractive tourist destination that is open to more segments of society.
The necessary application documents for restaurants can be found on the GRDM website. For more information, contact the head of municipal health in George (Outeniqua), Emmy Douglas (044 803 1537,
078 457 2824 or emmy@gardenroute.gov.za).
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