GEORGE NEWS - In recent years, South Africa has seen a growing trend of patrons bringing their dogs to restaurants, a practice that many restaurant owners have embraced. This is also the trend in many countries abroad.
However, the Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food and Related Matters R 638 of 22 June 2018 mandate that animals, with the exception of guide or service dogs accompanying individuals with disabilities, should not be allowed in areas where food is handled.
To address this, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) council took a proactive step of developing an exemption policy related to Section 14(1) of Regulation 638.
This new policy aims to provide clear guidelines for municipal health services and restaurant owners on establishing dog-friendly areas in compliance with existing regulations.
According to the policy, dogs will only be allowed in outdoor/outside seating areas of food establishments under certain conditions.
These include fully separating the dog-friendly area from the food premises by a solid partition or barriers and providing a separate entrance for patrons with dogs. The dog-friendly area must have an impenetrable floor surface, but in the case of grass, an approved disinfectant spray must be used to disinfect soiled surfaces. Only single-use serving dishes, cutlery and tableware will be allowed for use in the dog-friendly area. Only one dog per owner will be allowed and dogs must be on a leash and well-behaved.
GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel spearheaded the policy change soon after he took office. The policy was passed on Wednesday 30 October. Stroebel said it is a pioneering exemption policy and a first-of-its-kind at a district municipality in the country.
"This initiative not only enhances service delivery, but reduces red-tape and positions the Garden Route as an attractive tourist destination which is open to more segments of society. As the holiday season approaches, we recognize that restaurant owners are eager to implement their plans,” said Stroebel.
The key documents to download and read through for those interested in this exemption policy are available here.
For more information, use the following contact information to submit forms to and request more information:
*Landline numbers are only in use during weekdays
Johan Compion – Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control
E-mail: jcompion@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1550 / 082 803 5161
Desmond Paulse – Manager: Municipal Health Klein Karoo
Email: desmond@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 272 2241 / Cell: 083 678 6530
94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn
Rinay Cloete – Acting Chief: Municipal Health Mossel Bay
Email: rinay@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 693 0006 /Cell: 083 630 6108
C/O Sampson & Marling Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay
Emmy Douglas – Chief: Municipal Health George (Outeniqua)
Email: emmy@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1537 / Cell: 078 457 2824
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530
Jessica Erasmus – Acting Chief: Municipal Health George (Wilderness)
E-mail: jessica@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1522 / Cell: 081 346 3118
Mission Street, Industrial Area, George
James McCarthy – Chief: Municipal Health Knysna (Lakes)
Email: james@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 382 7214 / Cell: 082 805 9417
26A Queen Street, Knysna
Gawie Vos – Chief: Municipal Health Bitou (Lakes)
Email: Gjvos@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 501 1600 / Cell: 083 557 1522
7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay
Haemish Herwels – Chief: Municipal Health Hessequa (Langeberg)
E-mail: haemish@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 028 713 2438 / Cell: 083 678 6545
23 Mitchell Street, Riversdale
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