Pet-friendly restaurant on the way, but slow uptake expected: environment chief

Hong Kong is preparing to allow dogs in licensed restaurants through a new pet-friendly policy, but Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said on Tuesday that initial applications from eateries are expected to be limited.

His remarks followed the government's initiative to amend regulations allowing dogs in licensed restaurants, with an initial quota of 500 to 1,000 licenses available in the first phase.

Speaking at the Legislative Council Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene, Tse explained that while the restaurant industry has shown strong interest, many operators are taking a wait-and-see approach before applying.

The first batch of licenses is expected to be issued as early as June this year. The government will review and accept new applications every six months.

Concerns over unrestricted dog access

Addressing lawmaker Kitson Yang Wing-kit's inquiries regarding potential limitations on the number of dogs allowed per table. 

Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene Donald Ng Man-kit said there will be no fixed cap, as each restaurant has different circumstances. Instead, clear guidance will be provided, allowing each establishment to set its own entry rules.

In response to lawmaker Mark Chong Ho-fung’s concerns about how smaller restaurants or those accommodating larger dogs would be managed, Tse indicated that the requirement for dogs to be leashed is sufficient but open to refinement in the future. 

Tse emphasized that licensed restaurants retain the right to set their own size and entry policies.

Monitoring and compliance

For monitoring compliance, Ng said an initial task force will be formed to oversee participating restaurants. Enforcement will focus on guidance to ensure smooth implementation, with stricter action taken only if safety or hygiene issues emerge.

Tse added that a restaurant could face license revocation after receiving three complaints within a year. The public is encouraged to report violations through the 1823 hotline.

Responsibilities and insurance 

To safeguard food hygiene, the license conditions will require a clear separation between patrons and dog food or utensils, along with a prohibition against dogs being allowed on dining tables.

In response to lawmaker Lee Kwong-yu’s suggestions for detailed guidance on the “no dogs on tables” rule, Tse clarified that the core principle is that dogs must not come into contact with dining tables.

Addressing lawmaker Hung Kam-in’s concerns about responsibilities in the event of dog-related incidents, Tse said dog owners bear responsibility for their pets’ behavior, while restaurants remain accountable for maintaining hygiene standards inside their premises. 

Restaurants may choose to purchase insurance, but it is not mandatory.

The new legislation is expected to be tabled in the Legislative Council in the first quarter. The application fee will be HK$140. Approved restaurants must display mandatory signage at entrances, ensure dogs stay off tables, and refrain from preparing dog food on-site.

Violations could result in fines up to HK$10,000 and up to three months’ imprisonment. Hotpot and barbecue restaurants will be excluded from the scheme due to safety concerns.