Hong Kong authorities will allow up to 1,000 restaurants to welcome pet dogs, with the first group of eateries expected to receive approval by the middle of this year.
The Environment and Ecology Bureau said on Tuesday that it aimed to table the proposed amendments to the Food Business Regulation, which currently prohibits dogs on food premises, within the first quarter of this year.
In a paper submitted to the Legislative Council, the bureau said all licensed restaurants could apply to become dog-friendly premises, except those serving hotpot and barbecue due to “safety concerns”.
It suggested setting a quota of about 500 to 1,000 eateries, or 3 to 5 per cent of Hong Kong’s restaurants, in the first phase. Authorities would draw lots if there was an excess of applications.
The quota was proposed with the view that authorities would observe the operation and responses of the trade and society in the first phase, and make refinements where needed to “ensure prudent and manageable implementation of the initiative”, according to the bureau’s paper.
Successful applicants would have to pay HK$140 (US$18) to add a dog-admission endorsement to their food business licence.
But “known dangerous dogs” and “fighting dogs” would not be allowed into food premises under the proposal. Other dogs – except for guide dogs or those with legal permission – must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 metres (5 feet), and be securely held by an adult or tied to a fixture.
