A recent survey by the NSW / ACT dividion of Guide Dogs Australia has found that entry to a restuarant has been refused for nearly 30 percent of those with guide dogs.

Guide dogs are one of the few animals permitted into food businesses, and especially restaurants and cafes, by the Food Standards Code. It is therefore, illegal to refuse them and their owners entry to restaurants and cafes.

Of interest, the survey also identified that at the same time, 34 percent of the owners of Guide Dogs have been given unfair treatment.

The NSW government is pursuing this issue strongly, and Steve Whan, the NSW Minister for Primary Industries, said  "People with impaired vision have as much right as you and I do to enjoy a lunch with friends or a special dinner on a night out and that means their dog comes along too - whether that's at your local cheap and cheerful or a fine dining restaurant."

Guide Dogs NSW/ACT has launched a 'Guide Dogs Welcome Here' campaign. Owners of restaurants and acfes are being asked to display the sticker in their windows and ensure staff understand the importance of it.