Media Release: Garden Route District Municipality Introduces Innovative Exemption Policy for Dog-Friendly Dining

31 October 2024

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, it is essential to acknowledge that the Regulation Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises and the Transport of Food and Related Matters R 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. To address this, the 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.

GRDM Executive Mayor Andrew Stroebel, who spearheaded the policy change soon after he took office, said the following during the Council meeting on 30 October 2024: “I want to thank the Community Services Department for the record time in which they developed this policy. Also, thank you to Cllr Jobieth Hoogbaard, the Portfolio Chairperson for Community Services and the GRDM Council, who assisted to get this policy developed and approved”.

“The GRDM Council made significant strides by approving this pioneering exemption policy and it is a first-of-its-kind at a District Municipality 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 can access, include the following:

• GRDM Policy – Exemption in terms of Section 14(1) of Regulation 638
• Application form for exemption
• Criteria to allow dogs in an outdoor dining area
• Appeals Form
• Contact Details of Municipal Health Chiefs

Alternatively browse to this link to access the documents.

According to Johan Compion, Senior Manager: Municipal Health, Solid Waste Management & Air Quality Control, “It is important to note that submitting an application for a dog-friendly area does not guarantee automatic approval. A thorough application and approval process will be in place to ensure compliance and safety.”

Within the next week, a general notice will be distributed to all food establishments, outlining more details relating to the application process for establishing dog-friendly areas.

Please note that full compliance with the application requirements is essential for the review and approval process.

For more information, please use the following contact information (download the list of contact details of Municipal Health Chiefs here) to submit your forms to and to request for any questions of clarity:

*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

Featured image: A dog on a leash with his owner.

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