After a recent incident at Dario's Café led the restaurant to ban dogs, the issue sparked several days of listener questions about whether animals are actually allowed at eateries and what the law says. To clarify the rules, Bettie Leedo from the City of Cape Town’s Environmental Health Department speaks to Lester Kiewit about the national food safety regulations that generally prohibit animals in areas where food is handled, the exemption process restaurants must go through if they want to accommodate dogs, and the strict conditions that apply, including designated outdoor areas, clear signage, hygiene protocols, staff training, and requirements that dogs remain on short leashes and never come into contact with food, utensils, tables, or furnishings. She also explains that establishments must display their certificate of acceptability and that any exemption permitting animals will be clearly listed, meaning patrons are within their rights to ask to see proof if a venue presents itself as dog friendly.

Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is a podcast of the CapeTalk breakfast show. 

This programme is your authentic Cape Town wake-up call. Good Morning Cape Town with Lester Kiewit is informative, enlightening and accessible. The team’s ability to spot & share relevant and unusual stories make the programme inclusive and thought-provoking. Don’t miss the popular World View feature at 7:45am daily. 

Listen out for #LesterInYourLounge which is an outside broadcast – from the home of a listener in a different part of Cape Town - on the first Wednesday of every month. This show introduces you to interesting Capetonians as well as their favourite communities, habits, local personalities and neighbourhood news. 

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