Benin : The government issues a decree aimed at cleaning up the restaurant sector
In Benin, the government is considering normalizing the restaurant sector. Gathered in a cabinet meeting on Wednesday, February 7, 2024, the executive branch approved decisive measures regarding the sector. These measures concern the conditions for construction, extension, development, and opening of restaurants and related establishments.
Under President Patrice Talon, Benin has undergone major reforms since 2016, both economically and socially. Up until now, the restaurant sector has been one of the few to escape this wave of change. However, the regime has finally turned its reformist gaze to this sector.
At the end of its weekly meeting this Wednesday, the Beninese government announced its decision to organize the sector. New regulations now govern the conditions for construction, extension, transformation, development, opening, and classification of restaurants and related establishments.
The new decree, which constitutes a revision of the 1987 law, also addresses control procedures and sanctions in case of non-compliance with obligations. According to current authorities, the old law « lacked precision regarding access and operation conditions ». Consequently, the new law is based on a « careful analysis conducted with the assistance of the World Tourism Organization ».
According to the government, the new rules are better suited to the sector and address identified problems. This reform also allows compliance with UEMOA requirements and international standards in the restaurant industry.
