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Hong Kong restaurants criticize new permits for dog-friendly outdoor seating

Operators say the permit requirement has forced some venues to stop welcoming dog owners in outdoor areas, potentially hurting sales.

Reported · Written up by our desk · China

Hong Kong restaurant operators are criticizing a new scheme that requires them to hold permits to run dog-friendly venues, arguing it blocks pets in outdoor seating unless the businesses obtain the license, even though many already allowed dogs before the change, according to SCMP Economy.

Businesses said they have been compelled to turn away dog owners who were previously welcomed. Bijay Subba, manager of the Happy Valley Bar & Grill, said his restaurant in Happy Valley had long allowed customers to bring dogs to its outdoor seating area.

Subba said the policy has hampered business, adding that many residents in the neighborhood own dogs and often visit while walking their pets, implying the permit rule is reducing foot traffic tied to that customer behavior.

The government has promoted the program as a way to make the city more pet-friendly and to support the struggling food and drink industry, but operators argue the rollout is having the opposite effect, the outlet reported.

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