17.07.2026 10:50
The debates that began last year when Köfteci Yusuf banned pets from entering its branches, dividing public opinion, are now moving to a legal dimension. With the new draft regulation prepared by the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry, the entry of pets will be completely prohibited in both indoor and outdoor areas of food-selling businesses.
The debates ignited last year when the famous restaurant chain Köfteci Yusuf banned pets from its branches are now taking on a legal dimension. The Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry is working on a new regulation change that will completely prohibit pets from entering all businesses that sell food. With the new regulation, the decision will be taken out of the hands of business owners, and heavy fines will be imposed on those who do not comply.
KÖFTECİ YUSUF IGNITED THE DEBATE
Köfteci Yusuf, one of Turkey's most widespread restaurant chains, made a radical decision last year to ban pets from entering its branches. This move essentially divided public opinion.
THE MINISTRY IS STEPPING IN
In the debates that lasted for days on social media; while one group fully supported the decision on hygienic grounds, animal lovers reacted to the situation and argued that this restriction should be relaxed in places like restaurants and cafes. According to current laws, the decision on whether pets can enter such businesses was entirely at the discretion of the restaurant owners. However, with the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry stepping in, this situation is changing completely.
A "FULL" RESTRICTION IS COMING FOR BOTH INDOOR AND OUTDOOR AREAS
The new draft work planned to be added to the laws determining food safety and production hygiene standards aims to completely end pets' access to places where food is sold.
If the draft that the Ministry plans to submit to the Grand National Assembly of Turkey (TBMM) in the new legislative period becomes law:
- Businesses will no longer be able to open both indoor and outdoor areas (gardens, terraces, etc.) where they accept customers to animals.
- The decision to accept pets or not will not be left to the initiative of the business.
- Administrative fines will be imposed on companies that do not comply with the ban rules and host pets in their businesses.