A dog-friendly cafe in the popular tourist town of Hahndorf, located in the Adelaide Hills, has been forced to reverse its business model or face a significant fine following a single complaint. Same But Different Cafe, which has welcomed dogs for over three years, received an official warning from the Mount Barker Council last month, threatening fines of up to $2,500 if dogs are allowed inside again.
Owner Expresses Frustration
Owner Kellie Hunter expressed shock at the sudden enforcement, stating that the ban came out of nowhere and was triggered by just one complaint. "For three and a half years we’ve been trading wanting to build a business around dogs," she told 7NEWS. "We’re in a tourist town — people travel with their dogs — so I wanted to create a space where they can come in. It’s only due to this one complaint that I can’t have them inside."
Hunter noted that the timing is particularly challenging as the Adelaide Hills enters winter. "Everyone knows the Hills is freezing cold. Council says they can sit outside, but you can’t really when it’s one degree," she said. "Kids can be messier than dogs… we’ve never had a hygiene issue."
Cafe's Community Impact
The cafe spans three levels, and Hunter offered to restrict dogs to one area, but the council rejected the proposal. She has since launched an online petition to overturn the ban. Cafe worker Georgie Wattson said the ruling has devastated the community built around the cafe. "Being able to have your dogs here… it’s really built such a community. Now we have dogs waiting at the door, faces pressed against the glass wanting to come in. It affects the dogs too… they’re like customers to us as well."
Local customer Sue Parce defended the dogs, saying they have never caused trouble. "Every time I’ve come in, they’re on their best behaviour," she said. "I love the dogs here — it’s part of the community." The cafe walls are adorned with photos of the "fur kids" that visit daily.
Council's Position
Mount Barker Council acknowledged the backlash but insists it has no choice. In a statement, the council said it "understands that many people consider their pets to be important members of the family" and appreciates dog-friendly cafes. However, it must enforce the Australia New Zealand Food Standards Code, which "does not permit animals inside food premises, except for accredited assistance animals."
The council clarified that the rule is national, not a local policy, and is designed to prevent contamination risks such as hair, waste, and pathogens. Officers acted only after "information recently provided to Council regarding a dog being present inside the food premises," something not raised in earlier inspections. The council stated it "does not have the authority to exempt individual businesses from complying with national food safety standards."
Other Animal-Friendly Cafes in the Area
Same But Different Cafe is not the only establishment in Hahndorf with animals on the premises. Hamdorf Cafe, located nearby, features an interactive guinea pig village and serves a pun-filled menu. It operates as an NDIS provider, creating meaningful employment and work experience for people with intellectual disabilities and autism. Additionally, Meow Me Cafe at Parkside on Glen Osmond Road is a popular spot for cat lovers, with cats often from local adoption groups featured in an enclosure within the cafe.
Hunter says she will continue fighting to bring her four-legged customers back inside. The petition aims to gather community support to challenge the council's decision and find a compromise that allows dogs in designated areas of the cafe.
