Hong Kong restaurants are preparing for the start of a government scheme that allows dogs to enter eateries, after decades of restrictions. According to coverage across outlets, the policy begins on Thursday and is administered by the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD). Restaurants with permits can admit leashed dogs onto premises under conditions designed to address hygiene and food-safety concerns. Requirements include keeping dogs off tables and preventing pets from consuming food directly from reusable utensils intended for people.
Several restaurants are outlining practical measures ahead of the rollout. Some venues are installing or using equipment such as pet strollers and partitions, and they are training staff or brief customers before visits. One example mentioned by outlets is Old Fung Tea House, a dim sum restaurant with multiple outlets in Hong Kong, which is among hundreds of participating eateries.
The FEHD receives applications from the restaurant sector ahead of the launch, with reporting indicating thousands of applications submitted in total. Overall, outlets describe the programme as part of broader efforts to develop the “pet economy,” with participating businesses adjusting operations to meet permit rules.
