Applications for allowing dogs to enter food premises to commence from May 18
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A spokesman for the FEHD said, "The Food Business (Amendment) Regulation 2026 will come into effect tomorrow (May 8). However, it should be noted that restaurants must first submit an application and obtain approval before allowing dogs to enter. The FEHD will hold several briefing sessions next week to introduce the regulatory and application arrangements to the catering trade, and will start accepting applications from restaurants for dog entry on May 18.
"The first batch of permission is expected to be granted in mid-June. To allow time for operational preparation by the trade, the FEHD will specify a date in July from which dogs will be allowed to enter permitted food premises. While the exact date will be announced in due course, no person shall bring any dog onto any food premises prior to that date (except for guide dogs and working dogs)."
Restaurants interested in applying for the dog-admission permission may submit their applications electronically through the FEHD's dedicated webpage (www.fehd.gov.hk/english/licensing/dog_restaurants/index.html) during the application period from May 18 to June 8. A quota of not more than 1 000 restaurants is set for the first phase of application. If more than 1 000 applications are received, allocation will be made by balloting. For safety considerations, applications from hotpot restaurants and barbecue restaurants (including teppanyaki and Korean barbecue) will not be accepted, and only applications from restaurants with an area larger than 20 square metres will be considered. Apart from the above restrictions, all restaurants with a full licence may apply for the dog-admission permission.
The FEHD will notify successful applicants in mid-June, and assign designated officers to visit the successful restaurants and brief their operators on the statutory requirements, licence conditions and other compliance arrangements. Successful applicants are required to pay a fee of $140 within a specified period for the amendment of their licences to add therein the dog-admission permission. A date in July will be specified, from which dogs will be allowed to enter permitted food premises, and will be announced in due course. The FEHD will publish the list of permitted restaurants on its dedicated webpage before that date to facilitate the public in making an informed choice.
The FEHD will step up publicity and education to familiarise the trade and the public with relevant regulatory requirements and arrangements. The FEHD, in collaboration with relevant professional bodies, will organise four briefing sessions on May 11 to 13 and 28 for the trade. Letters have been sent to all restaurant licensees earlier, inviting them to join the briefing sessions. Restaurant operators who are unable to attend in person and other interested parties may choose to watch the live broadcast via the FEHD's Facebook page from 2.30pm to 5pm on the days of the briefing sessions, which will also be uploaded to the FEHD's dedicated webpage. Furthermore, the FEHD will upload information, including licence conditions, frequently asked questions and a set of Guidelines on Good Practices and Behaviour, to its dedicated webpage later this month for reference by restaurant operators and members of the public.
Starting from tomorrow, the FEHD will set up two dedicated hotlines (2867 5912 and 2867 2836). Enquiries can be made through the hotlines from 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays).
Ends/Thursday, May 7, 2026
Issued at HKT 14:30
Issued at HKT 14:30
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