Hong Kong Restaurants See High Demand for Dog-Friendly Licensing Scheme
Quick Look
- Hong Kong's new dog-friendly restaurant licensing scheme is off to a strong start, with 70% of the 1,000-place quota filled on the first day of applications.
- The scheme is expected to launch in July.
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Why It Matters
A new licensing scheme allowing dogs into Hong Kong restaurants has been introduced. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department is managing the applications.
A licensing scheme allowing dogs into Hong Kong restaurants has attracted strong initial interest, with 70 per cent of the 1,000-place quota filled on the first day, according to food hygiene authorities.
In response to inquiries from the South China Morning Post, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Monday it had received about 700 applications by 6pm.
The application window closes on June 8.
The department expects the scheme to launch in July, with up to 1,000 restaurants included in the first phase.
“If more than 1,000 applications are received, allocation will be made by balloting,” a spokesman said.
Hyvan Tong, a dog owner and founder of Fisholic in Fortress Hill, said he applied on the first day to secure a place. The restaurant, on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list since 2023, has about 10 tables and serves innovative fish-based dishes, including fish noodles in broth.
Open Questions
- What are the specific criteria for restaurants to be approved?
- What are the penalties for non-compliance with the new regulations?
- Will there be a second phase of the scheme if demand exceeds the initial quota?
- What are the specific hygiene protocols that restaurants must follow?
