12.7.2026

【FEHD Dedicated Team Log: Customers bringing dogs are reminded not to sit on bar counter seats】

With the new measure in place, eligible permitted food premises can now serve customers bringing dogs into their premises. The FEHD dedicated team is tirelessly visiting such premises across the territory to explain in details the statutory requirements to the persons-in-charge and frontline staff, so as to ensure the smooth implementation of and transition to the new measure.

During the visits, the dedicated team specially reminded members of the trade and the public of an important statutory requirement on hygiene and safety:
【Customers bringing dogs are prohibited from occupying bar counter seats】: It is explicitly stipulated in the licensing conditions that customers with dogs are strictly prohibited from occupying bar counter seats unless the food counter or food preparation area is segregated from the customer seating area by a permanently fixed partition carried to the full height of the premises. This requirement aims to safeguard public hygiene and safety during food preparation and prevent cross-contamination of food.

The FEHD urges persons-in-charge of the food premises to plan their seating arrangements reasonably and frontline staff to proactively remind customers bringing dogs of the requirement when escorting them to their seats.

Comprehensive support and routine arrangements by the dedicated team
To strike a balance between maintaining public hygiene and meeting the needs of different diners, the FEHD dedicated team will continue to visit and inspect the first batch of more than 940 eligible food premises across the territory.

“Advice before enforcement”: During the first month of implementation of the new measure, the dedicated team will follow this principle, so as to assist the catering industry and the public in adapting to the new arrangements gradually and ensure the smooth functioning of a pet-inclusive environment. The FEHD will not tolerate serious non-compliance concerning safety and environmental hygiene, and will, depending on the circumstances, take appropriate enforcement action immediately.

Detailed explanations on statutory requirements: The dedicated team will explain the statutory requirements to persons-in-charge of the food premises so as to ensure the smooth implementation of and transition to the new measure.

Readily identifiable members: Members of the dedicated team, wearing the team uniform of white polo shirts and khaki pants, will provide professional guidance proactively.

Let's work together to create a win-win pet-inclusive environment
The long-term success of the new measure relies on the close collaboration among the Government, the trade and the public:
Persons-in-charge of the food premises: must strictly comply with the statutory requirements, streamline their daily operations, strengthen training for their frontline staff and proactively remind dog owners of the Code of Practice.
Pet owners: maintain good pet etiquette and show consideration for other diners who feel uneasy around animals by having their dogs (including those placed in a stroller) tightly held on a leash at all times.
Members of the public: embrace the new initiative with an open and understanding mindset and work together to build a harmonious community.

Let's work together to create a more inclusive and diverse dining environment while safeguarding public hygiene.