Govt to allow 2 pet dogs per owner in restaurants

The government is moving to allow pet dogs to enter eateries -- likely with a cap set at two dogs per owner.

Restaurants with limited floor space might be denied pet-entry licenses.

Authorities plan to roll out the first batch of 500 to 1,000 licenses by mid-year.

Secretary for Environment and Ecology Tse Chin-wan says the government is still consulting experts on the matter after hearing feedback that it might be more difficult for diners to manage more than two dogs in restaurants.

He adds that a review will take place six months after the law takes effect.

When asked if restaurants near popular dog-friendly areas like West Kowloon and Sai Kung will be given licenses first, Tse says permits will be allocated by lottery.