Hong Kong’s dog-friendly restaurant scheme receives 700 applications on first day

A licensing scheme allowing dogs into Hong Kong restaurants has attracted strong initial interest, with 70 per cent of the 1,000-place quota filled on the first day, according to food hygiene authorities.In response to inquiries from the South China Morning Post, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Monday it had received about 700 applications by 6pm.The application window closes on June 8.The department expects the scheme to launch in July, with up to 1,000 restaurants included in the first phase.“If more than 1,000 applications are received, allocation will be made by balloting,” a spokesman said.Hyvan Tong, a dog owner and founder of Fisholic in Fortress Hill, said he applied on the first day to secure a place. The restaurant, on the Michelin Bib Gourmand list since 2023, has about 10 tables and serves innovative fish-based dishes, including fish noodles in broth.