Two-week implementation of allowing dogs to enter food premises running smooth and stable in general
The new policy of allowing dogs to enter food premises has been implemented for two weeks since July 9, marking the halfway point of the one-month adaptation period. A spokesman for the Government said today (July 25) that public acceptance of the new policy has been increasing progressively and the overall operation has been smooth and stable. The number of permitted food premises has also grown steadily, rising from 940 at the start of implementation on July 9 to over 970 at present. This indicates that the vast majority of permitted food premises have chosen to continue participating, reflecting an overall stable situation.
The spokesman pointed out that the first phase of the new measure sets a quota of 1 000 food premises, and establishing a waiting list mechanism is an important part of the Government's policy design. As early as June 26, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has already placed unsuccessful applicant food premises on a waiting list according to their ballot order. If an approved food premises withdraws its permission, its quota is swiftly reallocated to applicants on the waiting list in that order. The preset waiting list mechanism is operating quickly and in an orderly manner, catering to the choices of different operators. Upon completion of the replacement procedures, the information of the newly added food premises will be promptly uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage.
The spokesman added that restaurants make various commercial decisions every day, and the turnover of permitted food premises is a normal market adjustment and a continuous process of refinement, enabling resources to be allocated more effectively and matching supply and demand more accurately. The aim of the policy is to provide choices - giving options to food premises, as well as offering different choices to members of the public with different preferences and needs.
It is worth noting that despite some food premises have withdrawn, even more waitlisted applicants are eager to take up the released quotas. Since the implementation of the new policy, the Government is pleased to see active co-operation from both the public and the trade.
As the adaptation period reaches its midpoint, the FEHD's 90-member dedicated team continues to provide support to permitted food premises while carrying out publicity and educational work. Dedicated officers have been proactively inspecting food premises across various districts over recent days to observe the implementation status and make every effort to assist the trade in complying with relevant requirements.
The spokesman stressed that during the remaining half-month of the adaptation period, the Government will continue to adopt an "advice before enforcement" approach in handling non-compliance cases. However, this does not mean a relaxation of regulatory oversight. Should serious non-compliance cases or situations affecting environmental hygiene or food safety be detected, the FEHD will definitely take decisive enforcement action to ensure public safety and fairness of the policy.
The Government appeals to persons-in-charge and frontline staff of permitted food premises to continue earnestly fulfilling licensing conditions and legal requirements, while stepping up supervision and reminders for customers bringing dogs. At the same time, members of the public bringing dogs should properly control their dogs and respect other customers, working together to maintain a comfortable and harmonious dining environment and promote pet inclusivity.
Source: AI-found images
SITI continues to attend APEC Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu
The Secretary for Innovation, Technology and Industry, Professor Sun Dong, continued to attend the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu today (July 25).
Speaking at the APEC High-level Roundtable on Data for Growth, Professor Sun emphasised that Hong Kong adopts a balanced approach between openness and governance to remain at the global forefront in driving high-quality development. Hong Kong has over 5 700 datasets freely accessible with annual downloads surging from 5 billion in 2019 to over 85 billion in 2025. Hong Kong also possesses robust digital infrastructure including 3D geospatial maps covering over 120 000 buildings and a Consented Data Exchange Gateway that has processed more than 40 million secure data exchanges. He added that the Digital Corporate Identity Platform to be launched this year will enable consensual corporate data exchange.
In the APEC Workshop on New Concepts and Approaches of AI Literacy Enhancement Actions for the Public, Professor Sun said Hong Kong is fully committed to enhancing public AI literacy through a tiered and collaborative model, the "AI for All" Inclusive Programme which covers foundational awareness for students, parents, the elderly, and underprivileged groups; professional empowerment for university students and researchers; and practical enhancement for working professionals and small and medium-sized enterprises. To bring AI education into every household, the Government launched an eight-episode prime time television series, while also issuing the Ethical AI Framework and the Hong Kong Generative AI Technical and Application Guideline, and running cybersecurity campaigns and elite training to promote safe workplace adoption of AI. In parallel, all civil servants will be able to access online foundation training on AI principles and ethics. Through these comprehensive efforts, Hong Kong aims to build an AI ready society, and looks forward to deepening regional collaboration to build an AI-literate Asia-Pacific community.
During the high-level events, Professor Sun met with member of the Leading Party Group and Deputy Administrator of the National Data Administration Ms Yu Ying, and briefed her on the latest progress of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region Government in leading data development. Both sides exchanged views on strengthening collaboration in areas such as cross-boundary data flow, application scenarios and data governance.
Professor Sun also exchanged views with the Deputy Director of the Cyberspace Administration of China, Mr Wang Jingtao, and discussed specific measures for implementing cross-boundary data flow in the Hong Kong Park of the Hetao Shenzhen-Hong Kong Science and Technology Innovation Co-operation Zone.
Meanwhile, Professor Sun visited Sichuan Kelun-Biotech Biopharmaceutical, which is committed to the research and development, manufacturing and commercialisation of innovative drugs. He learned about the company's latest business developments, and hoping that it can further expand its business in Hong Kong.
Professor Sun will conclude the duty visit and return to Hong Kong tomorrow (July 26).
SITI continues to attend APEC Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI continues to attend APEC Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI continues to attend APEC Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI continues to attend APEC Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI continues to attend APEC Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
SITI continues to attend APEC Digital Weeks high-level events in Chengdu Source: HKSAR Government Press Releases
