Icheon City to Implement 'Pet-Friendly Dining Establishment' System from March

[Suwon Ilbo=Reporter Um In-yong] Icheon City announced on the 12th that beginning March 1st, following amendments to the Food Sanitation Act Enforcement Rules, pets will be permitted to accompany their owners into dining establishments that meet hygiene and safety standards.

The system's main purpose is to increase convenience for pet owners while also guaranteeing choice for non-pet owners, by permitting pet accompaniment only in restaurants that meet hygiene and safety standards.

Business types allowing pet entry include general restaurants, casual eateries, and bakeries, with permitted animals limited to dogs and cats.

Restaurants allowing pet entry must display signage or notices at establishment entrances and other locations, allowing customers to confirm and choose whether to enter based on this information.

Participating business operators must, in addition to posting notices, strictly comply with related standards and requirements including verifying vaccination status, controlling pet movement, restricting access to food handling areas, and implementing hygiene management measures to prevent cross-contamination.

To prevent confusion during the initial implementation phase, the city plans to operate a service that conducts advance reviews of facility standards for restaurants wishing to allow pet entry to ensure compliance with the Food Sanitation Act.