"Service Dogs for Persons with Disabilities

Must Not Be Denied Entry to Restaurants"

- Despite the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities prohibiting the denial of service dog entry without valid reasons, such incidents remain frequent

- ACRC has taken action by directing local governments that have denied service dog entry to produce promotional materials and enhance education on relevant laws to improve awareness

(23, October. 2024, ACRC)

The Anti-Corruption and Civil Rights Commission (ACRC), chaired by Ryu Chul Whan, has instructed the cities of Bucheon in Gyeonggi Province and Chuncheon in Gangwon Province to take proactive steps to raise awareness about service dogs for people with disabilities. These efforts include increasing public education and promotional efforts.

• What are Service Dogs for Persons with Disabilities?

Service dogs are specially trained to assist individuals with disabilities, including guide dogs for the visually impaired, hearing dogs, mobility assistance dogs, and therapy dogs for individuals with mental or physical disabilities.

In September, an individual with cerebral palsy and intellectual disabilities, referred to as "Mr. A," attempted to visit a restaurant in Bucheon, Gyeonggi Province, with his service dog. Despite presenting a Service Dog Registration Certificate issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare, the restaurant owner refused entry, stating, "Dogs are not allowed," and Mr. A was forced to leave without being served.

A few days later, Mr. A visited another restaurant in Chuncheon, Gangwon Province, with the same service dog. However, the owner again denied entry, citing concerns over potential inconvenience to other customers. As a result, Mr. A had no choice but to tie the service dog outside before entering the restaurant.

Feeling the need to improve awareness regarding service dogs, Mr. A filed a grievance with the ACRC in September.

Under Article 40 of the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities, individuals accompanied by service dogs with appropriate identification are allowed entry into public transportation, public facilities, lodging establishments, and food service businesses. Denying entry without a valid reason is prohibited, with violators subject to fines of up to 3 million won.

In response, the ACRC investigated the circumstances surrounding the denial of entry by the restaurants in Bucheon and Chuncheon and directed the respective local governments to develop measures to improve awareness about service dogs. Accordingly, the respective local governments have decided to develop and implement measures to improve awareness of service dogs for people with disabilities, including the production of promotional materials and strengthening education on relevant laws.

Yang Jong-sam, Director General of the Ombudsman Bureau at the ACRC, stated: "While the Act on Welfare of Persons with Disabilities guarantees the right of individuals to be accompanied by service dogs, cases of denial persist in reality. We hope that strengthened promotional efforts and education will foster a culture where individuals with disabilities can comfortably access public facilities with their service dogs."