Hong Kong will open applications for restaurant licences that allow dogs in designated premises starting May 18, the government says. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) announces that applications will be accepted from May 18 to June 8. The scheme applies to restaurants meeting specific size requirements, with outlets larger than 20 square metres eligible to apply.
In the first phase, the number of approved venues is capped at 1,000 restaurants. If more than 1,000 applications are received, FEHD will allocate licences by ballot. The administration indicates that the first designated restaurants are expected to admit dogs from July, following the approval process.
Both outlets report the same application window, the initial quota of 1,000 restaurants for the first phase, and the planned start date in July for participating venues. The announcements also point to a formal licensing process administered by the FEHD, rather than immediate, automatic permission for pet access.
