Public outcry after famous Cape restaurant bans dogs
· The South African
A popular Hermanus eatery has caused an outcry after announcing that dogs will no longer be allowed on its premises.
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Burgundy Restaurant, a well-known seafront spot near the old harbour, confirmed the change in a social media post.
“We regret to inform our loyal patrons that dogs are not allowed at Burgundy restaurant anymore. We apologise for any inconvenience. Burgundy has to comply with and respect this legislation.”
The move follows health regulations that restrict animals in areas where food is prepared, stored or served, with limited exceptions for guide or service dogs.
Dogs ban divides patrons
The announcement quickly drew mixed reactions online, with some dog-loving diners expressing frustration and others backing the decision.
One user wrote:
“It’s not legislation. It’s your policy. You could provide pet friendly area at outside seating areas.”
To which the restaurant responded:
“We received a warning yesterday from the Health Department…20% of our patrons are older people with small dogs. Baie hardseer (very heartbroken).”
Other comments reflected the divide:
“Most restaurants I’ve been to the dogs behave much better than the children.”
“This is actually a positive move. Not everyone is comfortable eating around dogs, and that should be respected. Dining out is a shared public experience, and hygiene and comfort matter for all guests.”
“I would rather support a restaurant where my Fur Child is welcome.”
“No problem! Just won’t be visiting you anymore.”
“For God’s sake…Burgundy just literally stated it is not by their choice, but law. Barking at the wrong tree.”
What the law actually says
According to the Department of Health’s Regulations Governing General Hygiene Requirements for Food Premises (R638 of 2018), the responsibility lies with the person in charge of a food establishment.
The regulation states:
“A person in charge of food premises must ensure that –
(10) an animal, subject to the provisions of any law, is not kept or permitted in a room or area where food is handled, except that—
(a) a guide or service dog accompanying a person with a disability may be permitted in the sales or serving area of the food premises;”
Historic Hermanus landmark faces modern debate
Burgundy Restaurant occupies one of the oldest buildings in Hermanus, dating back to 1875.
Originally two fisherman’s cottages, the site later became the Cypress Tea Garden in 1928 before being transformed into Burgundy Restaurant in 1987.
Declared a National Monument, the building remains a longstanding fixture in the town’s tourism and dining scene.
The latest policy shift highlights the tension between long-standing hospitality traditions and evolving public health regulations.