If a food and beverage outlet or other shop submits an agreement to conduct business without soliciting customers on the street—what is known as “barking”—Shinjuku City will give the shop a sticker that proclaims this fact.

Sticker

What Exactly Is “Barking”?

“Barking” is when touts representing a specific food and beverage outlet or other shop call out to prospective customers to use the shop, usually offering a large discount. When a customer goes to the shop, however, the deal sometimes turns out to be very different. For example, the barker may shout “All you can drink for 2,000 yen,” but the bill the customer receives may show a much larger amount instead. To avoid becoming a victim of this type of solicitation, simply ignore barkers on the street.

Shops That Do Not Use Barking

Shops that do not allow barking are following a city ordinance designed to prevent barking in public places in Shinjuku. It is safe to use shops that declare they observe this ordinance. Look for the sticker.

For more information on shops that do not allow barking, and identifying stickers, please visit the Shinjuku City website.
https://www.city.shinjuku.lg.jp/anzen/kikikanri01_002147.html

January 15, 2018