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to replace the Food Hygiene Advisory Council, its terms of reference
being to consider all matters relating to food hygiene, clean air, safety
in the home, and such other matters as are referred to the Advisory Council
from time to time by the Public Health Committee and to make recommendations
thereon to that Committee."
Dogs in Food Shops. The question of whether a bye-law could be
made prohibiting dogs being brought into shops was first considered by
the Food Hygiene Advisory Council in October, 1949, when the views of
the traders were obtained on whether they would favour a bye-law
prohibiting dogs from all shops in the district where food is prepared,
stored, handled or distributed. In view of the favourable response an
approach was made to the Minister. He replied that the phrasing of the
bye-laws then in force made under Section 15 of the Food and Drugs
Act, 1938, did not prohibit the admission of dogs into shops.
Following consideration of the Ministry of Food's circular M.F.
20/51, the Committee distributed to those food traders throughout the
district notices suggesting to customers that in the interests of hygiene,
dogs should not be brought on to food premises. These notices were
remodelled and replaced in September, 1957, and it is these which are
now displayed throughout the Borough.
In January, 1959, the Minister of Health was asked whether he would
favourably consider making a bye-law aimed at prohibiting dogs from
shops dealing in foods. It seems though he felt it doubtful if a prohibitive
regulation or bye-law would prove successful, it being difficult to impose
such a requirement, as an authorised officer of the local authority would
be unlikely to witness an offence and the shopkeeper would probably
be reluctant to bring a charge against a customer.