Hong Kong relaxes a decades-old ban on dogs entering restaurants as a new pet-licensing scheme starts. On the first day, more than 900 approved restaurants and eateries across the city open to customers with dogs, including Chinese restaurants, fast-food chains, and coffee shops. Dog owners bring their pets to dine in designated establishments, which are included after approval under the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department’s rules.
The move ends a 30-year prohibition intended to reduce concerns about rabies. All of the outlets report that the change is part of a controlled, licensed approach rather than a complete deregulation. The number of participating venues is described consistently as exceeding 900, reflecting the scale of the rollout among venues that meet the scheme’s requirements.
Coverage characterizes the policy as a step toward a more “pet-friendly” environment in Hong Kong, while still operating within an official framework aimed at public health risk management. The scheme’s first day is marked by customers and their dogs visiting participating eateries citywide.
