The new measure allowing dogs into restaurants took effect today (July 9), with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) confirming more than 940 food premises had completed the amended licensing procedures by July 7.
The new measure allowing dogs into restaurants took effect today (July 9).
In response to enquiries, FEHD said it has deployed dedicated staff to visit each approved food premise in person, delivering approval letters and providing detailed briefings on legal requirements, licensing conditions, and other relevant compliance measures. The department will also regularly update its dedicated website, publishing information on approved establishments for public reference.
The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Photo source: reference image
To ensure the smooth implementation of the new measures, FEHD has set up a 90-member dedicated team to step up inspections at approved restaurants during the initial adaptation period, helping the trade comply with relevant regulations and address operational queries. The department said it would adopt an "education-first, enforcement-second" approach during this period to help the industry adjust to the new arrangements. However, it stressed that serious violations, such as allowing fighting dogs or known dangerous dogs into restaurants, or permitting dogs into food preparation areas, would be met with enforcement action as appropriate.
New measures permitting dogs in designated food premises took effect last Thursday (July 9). In a radio interview today (July 13), the Director of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Mr. Yuen Yuk‑kin, said the first weekend of implementation went smoothly, with an orderly atmosphere and broad cooperation from both the industry and the public.
Mr. Yuen revealed that FEHD has received about 20 complaints so far, mostly concerning minor irregularities, including leash length and where dogs are seated inside restaurants. The department is following up on these cases.
New measures permitting dogs in designated food premises took effect last Thursday (July 9). Photo source: AP News
On the withdrawal of some approved food premises from the scheme, Mr. Yuen acknowledged that such cases do exist, but stressed that the numbers are not large. He said the overall participation of restaurants remains stable. He added that he understood some premises had made different choices based on their own circumstances, while others needed more time to adapt to the new arrangements, including staff deployment, venue partitioning, and customer feedback. He described the new measure as a departure from long‑standing practices, and noted that if a restaurant finds itself unprepared and chooses to withdraw temporarily, the authorities view that as a responsible decision.
Mr. Yuen said FEHD has set up a dedicated team of about 90 officers, who carried out some 2,300 inspections over the weekend, covering both participating premises and about 400 non‑participating ones. He stressed that the first month is an adaptation period, during which the department will focus on education and advice before enforcement, though warnings may be issued for serious violations. He also made it clear that the adaptation period does not mean a relaxation of standards; where environmental hygiene and food safety are at risk, the department will take firm enforcement action.
The Director of the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD), Mr. Yuen Yuk‑kin, Photo source: reference image
Looking ahead, Mr. Yuen said that if the first phase operates smoothly, FEHD could consider launching the second phase of applications after six months. The authorities will review the actual operation of the first phase before deciding on the specifics of the second phase, including the scope and details of applications. He emphasised that the overall approach will be cautious and gradual.
