14.7.2026

To ensure the smooth implementation of and transition to the new measure of allowing customers to bring dogs into permitted food premises, the FEHD has deployed a dedicated team of 90 members to visit such premises across the territory every day to conduct proactive inspections and continue explaining the statutory requirements.

The dedicated team continued with the inspections today, reminding persons-in-charge, frontline staff and customers bringing dogs that:
No dogs shall be allowed on dining tables: If dogs are found to be coming into contact with the dining tables, staff of the food premises should immediately stop them. Customers bringing dogs are also responsible for properly controlling their dogs and preventing them from coming into contact with the tabletop;
Cooking or heating food on dining tables is strictly prohibited: The dedicated team continued to closely inspect the permitted premises to check whether food is being cooked or heated on dining tables. During a recent inspection of a permitted Chinese restaurant in Kowloon City, the dedicated team found that the restaurant was in breach of regulations by serving food that had to be cooked or heated at the dining table. A verbal advice and a verbal warning were subsequently issued to the person-in-charge of the restaurant on 11 and 12 July respectively. The dedicated team conducted another inspection to the restaurant concerned yesterday (13 July) and found that the non-compliance had not been rectified. A warning letter was therefore issued to the licensee, requiring proper rectification of the non-compliance.

Please note that food premises permitted to admit dogs are strictly prohibited from using open flame or heating appliances such as electric stoves (except for candles or electric coasters for keeping beverages warm). This requirement also applies to sessions or on days when dogs are not admitted.

[Strict enforcement action against non-permitted food premises]
For food premises admitting dogs without valid permission, FEHD officers are actively gathering intelligence and will commence strict enforcement action in the coming week! Should there be instances of persistent non-compliance despite repeated warnings, the FEHD will institute prosecutions immediately with no tolerance!

A friendly reminder to restaurant operators and staff:
Handling of incidents: For on-site handling of incidents such as dogs' barking, lunging at people, loss of control, hygiene issues, or uncooperative dog owners, please refer to the “Steps for On-Site Handling of an Incident” set out in the Code of Practice issued by the FEHD.

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