Dogs in restaurants adaptation period 'smooth'

The one-month pilot program permitting dogs in selected restaurants concluded on Sunday, with the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) reporting the implementation as seamless. The program's reach expanded from around 940 participating restaurants to over 980, according to a department spokesperson. The initiative had set a target of 1,000 restaurants.

As of August 8, over 29,600 inspections were carried out, resulting in 77 verbal warnings and enforcement actions against more serious infractions. These included issuing warning letters to three licensees for repeatedly cooking or reheating food at tables and two prosecutions for failing to keep dogs securely leashed. The FEHD provided on-the-ground support to permitted restaurants and conducted awareness-raising campaigns among operators and customers through publicity and educational initiatives.

Inspections were also conducted at non-permitted restaurants, leading to prosecutions against six establishments violating the regulations by allowing dogs inside. The FEHD advised prospective applicants to carefully consider their restaurant's market position, customer base, and operational capabilities before joining the scheme, ensuring adequate preparations to maximize the benefits of the policy.

The program also features a waiting list, allowing for a smooth transition if a restaurant withdraws, reassigning the freed-up quota swiftly and orderly.