The Federation would like to inform members that the Government has gazetted amendments to the Food Business Regulation (Cap. 132X) in March 2026 to allow, under appropriate regulation, dogs to enter food premises upon application and approval.
This initiative follows the announcement in the 2025 Policy Address, responding to evolving social expectations and market demand for greater pet inclusion, while balancing public health, food safety, and environmental hygiene.
At present, dogs are prohibited on food premises (except guide dogs or dogs exercising lawful powers). Subject to Legislative Council approval of the Food Business (Amendment) Regulation 2026, the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene (DFEH) will be empowered to grant dog-admission permission to licensed food premises under specified statutory requirements and additional licensing conditions.
Policy Principles
The new initiative is formulated based on the following principles:
- Providing Choice – Restaurant operators may choose whether to apply; customers may choose whether to patronise such establishments. Approved premises must display designated signage prominently.
- Priority to Safety and Hygiene – FEHD will safeguard food safety, public health and animal welfare through statutory requirements and additional licence conditions.
- Minimising Compliance Costs – Permission will be incorporated into existing licences without requiring a new licence, simplifying procedures and avoiding significant cost increases.
- Prudent and Phased Implementation – The First Phase will be introduced on a relatively small scale. Subject to smooth implementation, a second phase may be launched approximately six months later.
The Government expects the first batch of permissions to be granted by mid‑2026, subject to legislative approval.
Invitation to FEHD Briefing Session
To help industry stakeholders understand the latest application arrangements, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) has invited trade associations to attend a dedicated briefing session:
Date: 5 May 2026 (Tuesday)
Time: 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm
Venue: Room 301, 3/F, Lai Chi Kok Government Offices,
19 Lai Wan Road, Lai Chi Kok, Kowloon
Members who wish to attend are requested to complete and return the reply slip to FEHD on or before 27 April 2026 via:
Email: plchan13@fehd.gov.hk
Fax: 2530 1368
Enrolment will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis.
For enquiries, please contact Health Inspector Ms. Chan at 2867 5912.
A separate briefing session specifically for catering operators will be held in mid-May, jointly conducted by FEHD, the SPCA (HK), the Hong Kong Federation of Insurers, and the Institute of Shopping Centre Management.
Members are encouraged to consider the potential business opportunities arising from this initiative while carefully assessing operational, insurance, hygiene, and brand positioning implications.
Should you require further discussion, please feel free to contact the Federation Secretariat.