Key facts
- A new licence allowing dogs in Hong Kong restaurants will launch in July.
- 1,000 operators were selected via ballot to participate in the scheme.
- Restaurant owners anticipate a potential business increase of up to 20%.
Around 1,000 Hong Kong restaurants are set to benefit from a new licence allowing dogs, potentially boosting business by up to 20%. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department held a ballot for the scheme, which begins in July.

The introduction of dog-friendly licences in Hong Kong aims to boost the hospitality sector by catering to pet owners, potentially increasing revenue for participating establishments and enhancing the city's appeal to local consumers.
Hong Kong restaurants that have secured a new licence allowing dogs are anticipating a significant boost to their businesses, potentially up to 20%. The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) conducted a ballot on Friday, selecting 1,000 operators from 1,615 eligible applications for the scheme, which commences in July.
Aki Chan, co-owner of Uluru Cafe in Wan Chai, expressed optimism, expecting business to increase by 15 to 20%, particularly on weekends. He noted that dog owners often patronise local establishments rather than travelling abroad. Chan also mentioned that his cafe had previously faced penalties for allowing pets and hopes the new licence will help recover business to previous levels.
Lawmaker Chan Hoi-yan, chairman of the Panel on Food Safety and Environmental Hygiene, officiated the ballot draw, which was observed by the public and eager applicants.