Policy address announces dog-friendly licences for city's restaurants
發佈日期: 2025-09-17 22:29
TVB News
The policy address announced a number of new measures aimed at supporting the city's small and medium businesses.
They include the rolling out of licences permitting the entry of dogs into restaurants as well as speeding up the approval of outdoor seating options for eateries.
According to government statistics, more than 240,000 residents are pet owners.
But their hope of bringing their beloved animals to dine out remains dashed owing to legal restrictions, which only allow guide dogs currently.
The policy address revealed authorities are now aiming to further cultivate the city's pet-friendly culture by rolling out licenses permitting canine entry into restaurants.
Such restaurants will display clear labels indicating the new privilege to patrons.
Sources said the government will discuss the matter with the business sector at the end of this year, and begin approving the certifications and setting up a quota by the middle of next year.
Some restaurant owners in Sai Kung, who regularly cater to patrons that bring along their pet dogs, believe the license will be of great interest to many in their sector.
This shopowner said both patrons and restaurant owners will be happy with the arrangement, suggesting that restaurants can create a specific dog-friendly section to avoid possible pet-related disturbances.
Meanwhile, lawmaker Tommy Cheung from the catering constituency noted more details need to be considered before the measure is implemented, including concerns of pet utensils being shared with human customers.
Chief Executive John Lee also announced more efforts to attract tourists to enjoy the city's internationally renowned cuisine.
The latest policy address also announced the government will take further steps to drive Islamic tourism in the city, with the Hong Kong Tourism Board offering to subsidise restaurants in acquiring halal certifications starting from today until the end of next year. Authorities will subsequently fund half of their certification fees set at a limit of 5,000 dollars.
