Discussions ignited last year when the famous restaurant chain Köfteci Yusuf banned pets from its branches are now gaining a legal dimension. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is working on a new legislative amendment that will completely prohibit pet entry into all establishments selling food. With the new regulation, the decision will be taken out of the hands of business owners, and those who do not comply will face heavy fines.
Köfteci Yusuf, one of Turkey's most widespread restaurant chains, had banned pet entry to its branches last year with a radical decision. This move had virtually divided public opinion.
In discussions that lasted for days on social media, one segment fully supported the decision on hygienic grounds, while animal lovers reacted to the situation, arguing that this restriction should be relaxed in areas such as restaurants and cafes. According to existing laws, the decision of whether pets could enter such establishments was entirely at the discretion of restaurant owners. However, with the intervention of the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, this situation is completely changing.
The new draft legislation, planned to be added to the laws defining food safety and production hygiene standards, aims to completely end pets' access to places where food is sold.
If the draft, which the Ministry plans to submit to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in the new legislative period, becomes law: