Advisory to Operators of Food Establishment on Guide Dogs
Under the Environmental Public Health (Food Hygiene) regulations, it is an offence to take pets or animals into a food outlet and its outdoor refreshment areas.
However, according to Regulation 29, “the licensee of a food establishment or private market may permit any guide dog accompanying a blind or visually impaired person to be brought into the dining or refreshment area or any toilet of the licensed premises if the guide dog is a) kept under proper control; b) restrained from straying or causing annoyance or nuisance to any person or animal, or damage to any property; and c) held in a leash.”
Additionally, Regulation 8 of the Rapid Transit Systems Regulations (Cap 263A) also states:
(1) No person shall bring any animal or other livestock into or upon any part of the railway premises.
(3) Paragraph (1) shall not apply to a guide dog accompanying any blind person.
The picture above depicts the decal that food establishments wear in support of the Guide Dogs Association of the Blind (GDAB). However, even if some food outlets do not display this decal, it doesn’t mean that guide dogs are disallowed on their premises.
If you would like to help spread the word, please pick up a decal from the GDAB office (Blk 123 Tampines Street 11, #10-382 Tampines Court, Singapore 521123). Or call the Guide Dogs' office: 6786 1877 or Ambrish: 9640 6550 for more information.
The following is with reference to an advisory issued by National Environment Agency (NEA):
Guide Dogs
Guide dogs are the guiding eyes for people who cannot see. They are carefully bred, raised and trained for the purpose of providing a safe means of mobility for people who are blind or visually impaired.
Entry of Guide Dogs into Halal Certified Eating Establishments
The current Halal regulations do not prohibit the access of guide dogs (for the blind or visually-impaired customers) into Halal certified eating establishments. However, hygiene and sensitivity issues may arise.
Guidelines when Allowing Guide Dogs into Your Premises
Muis' advise to holders of its Halal Certificate under the Eating Establishment Scheme to allow access to the blind or visually-impaired customers with guide dogs into their premises by abiding with the following guidelines.
- Operators should provide a designated area for people with guide dog to be located at a location that would ensure safely of the owner and his/her dog as well as the comfort of other patrons in the eating establishments.
- Do ensure that the guide dog is harnessed by the owner and kept at his side at all times.
- If the guide dog needs to be fed at the designated area, disposable wares are to be used to prevent any cross mixing with cutleries used for the preparation and serving of Halal food.
- The designated place to be kept clean and hygienic at all times.
Contact
For any clarifications, please contact Mr Mohd Ariff Mohd Salleh, Halal Certification Strategic Unit, DID: 6359 116163591161 or email Ariff@muis.gov.sg.
