Written question asked by Matthew Offord (Conservative) on Thursday, 14 July 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 18 July 2011. It was answered by Lord Grayling (Conservative) on Monday, 5 September 2011 on behalf of the Department for Work and Pensions.

Shops: Dogs

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Business, Innovation and Skills whether he has considered producing health and safety guidance for the purposes of preventing domestic dogs entering shops.

Answer: I have been asked to reply.HSE has no plans to produce health and safety guidance for the purpose of preventing dogs entering shops.Retail premises have duties under the Health and Safety at Work etc. Act 1974 to ensure the health and safety of their employees and, so far as is reasonably practicable, ensure that those affected by their business activities including customers are not exposed to risks to their health and safety. If retailers have identified a significant risk from domestic dogs entering premises then they should take sensible and proportionate measures to reduce such risk so far as is reasonably practicable.The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has overall policy responsibility for health and safety at retail premises while local authorities have responsibility for enforcement of the legislation.

Secondary information