The Federation would like to update members on a meeting held on 2 February 2026 with the Director of Food and Environmental Hygiene, Mr Donald Ng, JP, during which representatives of the hotel trade and the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department (FEHD) engaged in an open, constructive and forward‑looking dialogue on licensing matters relevant to the industry, as well as forthcoming policy developments.

During the meeting, the trade shared operational experience and practical views on various hotel‑related licensing issues. The Federation and attending representatives expressed appreciation for FEHD’s continued efforts to facilitate licensing processes, enhance regulatory clarity, and maintain proactive engagement with the trade. FEHD responded positively to the views raised and demonstrated a pragmatic and receptive approach towards addressing industry concerns.

FEHD also briefed participants on a number of new initiatives arising from the 2025 Policy Address, including proposed enhancements to the licensing framework for Outside Seating Accommodation (OSA) and a new initiative to allow dogs to enter approved food premises under specified conditions. The Federation noted that these initiatives are consistent with proposals and recommendations previously advocated by the Federation in its submissions and discussions with the Government, and is therefore pleased to see tangible progress being made. The Federation welcomes the Government’s readiness to modernise long‑standing regulatory arrangements in response to evolving social needs, while continuing to uphold food safety, environmental hygiene, and public safety.

Dog‑friendly food premises initiative

Regarding the proposed dog‑friendly food premises initiative, FEHD explained that the arrangement aims to strike an appropriate balance between public demand, operational practicality, and regulatory safeguards. The voluntary and risk‑based approach, together with clear identification of approved premises and limited additional compliance costs, was positively received by the trade. The Federation also welcomes the Government’s prudent, step‑by‑step implementation strategy, which allows the community and the industry to adapt progressively.

	Key Details
Initial Quota	Approximately 500 to 1,000 permits will be issued in the first phase for restaurants allowing dogs to be present.
Approval Timeline	Subject to legislative approval, the scheme is expected to be approved by mid‑2026, with the first batch of permits potentially issued as early as June.
Application Fee	HK$140 per application.
Allocation Mechanism	If applications exceed the quota, permits will be allocated by lottery.
Signage Requirement	Approved restaurants must display clear and prominent signage at entrances indicating pet‑friendly status.
Key Operating Conditions	Dogs are not allowed on dining tables and must not come into contact with food or tableware. Restaurants may not use reusable tableware for dogs, nor cook or prepare dog food on the premises.
Permitted Dog Food	Pre‑packaged dog food and food brought by customers are allowed.
Food Safety Restrictions	Cooking or heating food at tables is prohibited. Applications from hot pot and barbecue restaurants will not be accepted.
Compliance & Enforcement	Approval will be revoked for one year if a restaurant breaches licensing conditions three times within a year, while its existing licence remains valid.
Control of Dogs	Dogs must be kept under control at all times, using a leash not exceeding 1.5 metres or tied to a fixed object.
Restricted Breeds	"Known Dangerous Dogs" and "Fighting Dogs" are prohibited from entering approved premises.
Penalties	Offences may attract a fine of up to HK$10,000, a daily fine of HK$300, and imprisonment for up to three months.

Looking ahead, FEHD advised that a Legislative Council paper setting out the detailed implementation framework will be issued next week, and that subject to legislative approval, applications under the new arrangement are targeted for mid‑2026. The Federation looks forward to reviewing the details and continuing close dialogue with FEHD and relevant bureaux and departments to ensure that the implementation arrangements are practical, workable, and aligned with industry operations.

FEHD also addressed other licensing‑related issues raised by the trade and expressed an open and positive view towards holding future working group meetings with the involvement of relevant departments, with a view to strengthening cross‑departmental coordination and resolving practical issues more effectively.

The meeting was attended by Hon Perry Yiu, MH, JP, Hon Vivian Kong, SBS, MH, and a representative of Hon Alan Chan, together with representatives from the Hong Kong Hotels Association (HKHA) and the Hotel Controllers and Accountants Association of Hong Kong (HCAA). The Federation will keep members informed of further developments.