Mr S. Satish Apoo, NEA’s Director of Environmental Health, responded in ‘My Paper’ to a customer complaint about animals in food outlets. He clearly points out that Guide Dog entry is supported by law.

Responding to a complaint letter that appeared in ‘My Paper’, Mr. S. Satish Apoo, the National Environment Agency’s Director of Environmental Health, stated clearly that Guide Dogs are the only animals allowed in food outlets. In his letter, “Only Guide Dogs are allowed in food outlets”, Mr Apoo said: “Guide Dogs are exempt” from Environmental Public Health regulations on animals in food outlets because they aid “the visually handicapped”. Provided, that is, that they are kept “on a leash and kept at the owner’s side at all times”.

My Paper has graciously allowed us to reprint the letter. It can be read by clicking on the link here. Laws pertaining to Guide Dogs can be read here.

Mr. Apoo’s letter points to a common problem faced by Guide Dog owners: even though Guide Dogs are allowed in food outlets, they are often barred from entering. The Guide Dogs Association of the Blind is working hard to raise awareness of these regulations.

The launch of our ‘Friendly Decal Campaign’ is to encourage owners of shops and outlets to support our awareness campaign by displaying our 'Guide Dog Friendly Business' decals prominently on their entrances. This is to indicate that they welcome the blind persons with Guide Dogs. The launch will begin at Compass Point Mall and the shops within.