Govt draws lots for restaurants that can allow dogs

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department will allow dogs in restaurants starting next month, and today drew lots for the license slots.

The lottery was held this morning at the Lai Chi Kok Government Offices.

The draw was conducted by Legislative Council Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene Panel Rebecca Chairperson Chan Hoi-yan.

In the first phase, the department offers 1,000 license slots. After eliminating duplicates and ineligible applications, there were 1,615 applications.

Successful applicants will receive a text message notification and a letter regarding the license conditions next Tuesday. Applicants must complete the formalities at the licensing office before the 24th of this month, with a fee of $140. If payment is not made by the specified deadline, the slot will be placed on the waiting list.

A restaurant owner who successfully applied believes it will have a positive impact on their business.