Dogs-in-eateries policy off to smooth start: govt

Hong Kong got off to a smooth start on the first day of a new policy that allows dogs into designated eateries, Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan said.

Following the successful launch of the initial pilot phase, he indicated that the government could begin accepting applications for the second phase in as soon as six months.

Tse on Thursday visited a designated eatery in West Kowloon Cultural District to observe the new measures in action.

Speaking afterwards, he praised cooperation among dog-owning patrons and noted that the restaurant had made comprehensive preparations, particularly regarding hygiene facilities and seating layouts.

Calling the initiative a "rare breakthrough", Tse framed it as a progressive step towards greater integration of people and pets in daily life – a direction he says modern societies are increasingly embracing.

"Today in Hong Kong, many citizens own dogs, and many even regard them as family members," he said.

"Therefore, under the overarching premise of public safety, hygiene and food safety, the government is rolling out this measure. In promoting a new social culture, we cannot rush things."

Central to the policy, he emphasised, is the principle of choice.

"Both restaurants and citizens can have choices. Restaurants can decide based on their business considerations whether to apply to allow dogs to enter. Citizens can also choose whether to patronise those restaurants."

The government plans to closely observe operations during the initial phase and will continue dialogue with the industry to fine-tune arrangements as needed.

Tse added that the second-phase application process could open in as soon as six months, with the number of participating venues expected to be comparable to the current batch.

When asked about concerns that some restaurants remained unclear in their understanding of regulatory standards, Tse said the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has deployed dedicated teams to visit each approved establishment.

These teams, he said, are responsible for explaining the legal requirements and code of practice and will offer guidance if operators encounter any difficulties.

Edited by Edmond Fong ...