Small, crowded restaurants may not qualify for dog-friendly licenses, says environment chief

Small and cramped restaurants may not be suitable for the government’s proposed new license allowing dogs to enter food premises, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said, citing safety and operational concerns.

Speaking on a television program, Tse said eateries with limited space and crowded seating arrangements could pose risks of accidents or conflicts if dogs are permitted inside. The government has yet to finalize specific size requirements and will continue discussions with the industry, he said.

Apart from floor area, licensing considerations may also include whether a restaurant has open space and the nature of its operations. Authorities are also considering limiting the number of dogs each customer can bring into a restaurant.

The government earlier announced plans to introduce a dedicated license to allow dogs in food premises, marking a shift from existing restrictions.

Separately, Tse addressed the government’s decision to openly recruit a new Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene for the first time. He said the move had been under consideration for some time, noting that the department’s work spans a wide range of areas and involves frequent contact with the public.

He said the role often entails handling conflicting interests and is closely linked to enforcement work. The incoming director should possess sharp political awareness and experience in law enforcement to help drive reforms within the department.

Looking ahead to the Lunar New Year holiday, Tse said authorities would step up management of country parks, including deploying additional staff to Ham Tin Wan in Sai Kung.

Measures will include enhanced cleaning, better toilet management and the installation of large waste bins, he said. The Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department will also increase patrols during the festive period.