Thematic Household Survey Report No. 82 published
The Thematic Household Survey Report No. 82 is published by the Census and Statistics Department (C&SD) today (June 12).
This publication contains key findings on information technology usage and penetration based on the Thematic Household Survey conducted from April to August 2024.
The survey results showed that the majority of households (96.7%) had Internet access at home in 2024. Among these households, smartphone was the most popular type of device used for Internet connection at home (99.9%), followed by personal computer (74.4%).
Usage of the Internet remained popular. The rate of persons aged 10 and over having used the Internet during the 12 months before enumeration was 95.8% in 2024, while the corresponding rate in 2023 was 96.0%. In addition, the popularity of smartphones remained at a high level. The smartphone penetration rate was 96.3% in 2024, comparable with the corresponding rate in 2023.
The usage of mobile payments was also common in Hong Kong. In 2024, 65.6% of persons aged 15 and over had used mobile payments during the 12 months before enumeration, while the corresponding rate in 2023 was 64.9%.
Other information
The survey successfully enumerated target respondents in some 10 100 households in accordance with a scientific sampling scheme to represent the population of Hong Kong.
Detailed findings of the survey, together with the population coverage and concepts/definitions of key terms, are presented in the publication. Users can browse and download the publication at the website of the C&SD (www.censtatd.gov.hk/en/EIndexbySubject.html?pcode=B1130201&scode=453).
Enquiries about the survey findings can be directed to the Social Surveys Section (1) of the C&SD (Tel: 2887 5103 or email: thematic@censtatd.gov.hk).
FEHD announces list of first batch of permitted food premises for dog entry
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) today (June 26) announced that, as of yesterday (June 25), among the successful food premises allocated quotas for allowing dogs to enter according to the ballot result, 833 have completed the procedures and dogs will be allowed to enter their premises starting from July 9. The list has been uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/index.html).
A spokesman for the FEHD said, "As some successful food premises withdrew their applications or did not complete the procedures due to various reasons, the FEHD will arrange applicants on the waiting list to fill the vacancies according to the sequential order from the earlier ballot results. The department has gradually notified those waitlisted applicants via SMS, and deployed dedicated officers to visit the food premises concerned in batches to deliver Approval Letters to the operators starting from today. Waitlisted applicants allocated a quota must, on or before July 7, bring along the Approval Letter and the existing original copy of the restaurant licence, to any Licence Issuing Offices listed in the Approval Letter, and pay a fee of $140 to amend the licence to include the permission."
The FEHD, apart from notified applicants the ballot results via SMS earlier after the open ballot, has also deployed dedicated officers to visit successful food premises applicants to deliver Approval Letters, and brief their operators on the statutory requirements, licence conditions and other compliance arrangements, including reminding the applicants again to voluntarily verify whether the location of the food premises permits the entry of dogs.
The spokesman said, the new measure aims to respond to the aspirations of members of the public, create new business opportunities for the catering industry, and promote harmony between people and pets. Apart from hotpot restaurants, barbecue restaurants, and restaurants with an area less than 20 square metres, all restaurants with a full licence may apply for the dog-admission permission.
The FEHD advises that permitted food premises should make adequate preparations for allowing dogs to enter, including planning dining areas, installing facilities, training staff, and contacting insurance companies. In addition, co-operation among customers bringing dogs and other members of the public is also crucial. The FEHD has earlier released the Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour, covering points to note for restaurant operators, and both customers bringing dogs and those without dogs. The FEHD encourages different parties to refer to the Guidelines, fulfil their responsibilities, and respect one another, thereby promoting pet inclusivity.
Source: AI-found images
