In the initial stage of a scheme to create pet-friendly premises, Hong Kong authorities will allow up to 1,000 restaurants to welcome dogs.
The Environment and Ecology Bureau said last week that it aimed to submit the proposed amendments to the Food Business Regulation in the first quarter of this year. The regulation currently bans dogs from food premises.
“The first batch of restaurants can apply for permits by May, allowing dogs into restaurants by June,” a government spokesman said.
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 because of “safety concerns”.
In the first phase, the bureau suggested setting a quota of about 500 to 1,000 eateries, or 3 to 5 per cent of Hong Kong’s restaurants. Successful applicants will have to pay HK$140 (US$18) to add a dog-admission endorsement to their food business licence.
Depending on demand and feedback from caterers, authorities would consider opening up a second batch of restaurants for registration by the end of the year, the spokesman said.
But the proposal will not allow “known dangerous dogs” and “fighting dogs” into food premises. Others – except for guide dogs or those with legal permission – must be kept on a leash no longer than 1.5 metres (five feet) and be securely held by an adult or tied to a fixture.
The government said both restaurant operators and customers with dogs were responsible for keeping the animals under control to protect the safety of others.
“Restaurants that allow dogs cannot cook or heat food on the dining table, or allow them to use utensils intended for customers,” the spokesman said.
Those who fail to comply with requirements will face a HK$10,000 fine, an additional daily fine of HK$300 for continued infringements and three months’ imprisonment.
The government would also work with animal rights groups to provide training and guidelines to operators on setting house rules, including how to handle potential conflicts between pets, service staff and other diners.
In last year’s policy address, Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu highlighted the potential of the “pet economy”, noting the city’s more than 400,000 pet cats and dogs.
Simon Wong Kit-lung, honorary president of the Institute of Dining Professionals, said the pet-friendly move would strengthen Hong Kong as a global city as many other places already had similar policies.
“Hong Kong is finally joining the worldwide trend for being pet friendly, which is a good thing,” he said.
