Eating out with pets becomes a reality in August...with mixed feelings
From August, pet owners will be able to spend time with their dogs and cats more freely at restaurants and cafes. This is because the government is pushing for a law amendment to ease the restrictions on pets in general restaurants and rest stops, which were prohibited under the current Food Hygiene Act.
Background and progress of deregulation
Currently, the pet population in Korea has already exceeded 10 million, and the culture of going out with pets is spreading rapidly. However, under the current law, it was illegal to allow pets in all restaurants, including dog cafes. Since last year, the government has implemented a “regulatory sandbox” system for some establishments to check the practical problems. As a result, it was concluded that there were no major problems as long as hygiene and safety management conditions were followed.
As a result, the KFDA is expected to propose legislative amendments to the law as early as next month, and it is likely to be implemented within four months after the public comment process.
Required compliance and management measures
Restaurants that allow pets must fulfill the following conditions
Post animal-friendly signs outside the premises
Restrict access to cooking facilities and food storage areas
Animal types limited to dogs and cats
Separate areas or kennels required
Leashes required
The government's intention is that these requirements will help maintain a hygienic and safe environment while minimizing inconvenience to customers.
Voices of support and concerns
Citizens' opinions on the relaxation vary. A 26-year-old resident of Suwon welcomed the move, saying, “It's been difficult to find restaurants that allow dogs, so I'm happy to have more options.”
On the other hand, another resident of Yongin, 58, expressed concern about the lack of consideration for people with allergies or animal aversion. A 41-year-old pet owner in Seongnam also pointed out, “If indiscriminate access is allowed, it may cause hygiene problems such as infectious diseases, so it is better to limit it to manageable businesses.”
The government plans to actively collect these various opinions and fully reflect them in the final revision process. During the legislative preview period, the government will hold meetings and public hearings to gather a wide range of opinions from citizens and experts.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Will the deregulation allow pets in all restaurants?
A: No. It will be up to the choice of each restaurant or cafe owner, subject to meeting the necessary hygiene and safety conditions.
Q2: What animals are allowed?
A: At this time, only dogs and cats will be allowed.
Q3: What about people who are allergic or don't like animals?
A: We will make sure to post a sign outside the business so that customers are aware and have a choice. We will also minimize any inconvenience by creating separate areas or using kennels.
Q4: How will hygiene issues be managed?
A: We will set strict hygiene management conditions, such as restricting access to cooking facilities, requiring dogs to wear leashes, and separating spaces.
Q5: When will this actually be implemented?
A: It is likely to be implemented as early as August 2023, and the exact date will be finalized after the legislative preview and public consultation process.
Hashtags.
#dogcafelegalization #dogcafelegalization #dogsinrestaurants #foodsanitationlawrevision #dogcafelegalization #dogcultureproliferation
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