Hongkongers rejecting pet-friendly restaurants still have options
While it is to be expected that not everyone will be happy about dogs being allowed into some restaurants, there have been relatively few complaints to the authorities
The saying “not my cup of tea” is commonly used to refer to someone or something you do not like. It was to be expected that some would react in that way when dogs were welcomed into restaurants and eateries. After all, not everyone is comfortable consuming food around dogs. About 940 outlets were licensed to admit patrons with dogs from last Thursday.
Yuen said a small number of restaurants had temporarily withdrawn from the scheme amid operational challenges, including staffing shortages and difficulties in separating dining areas.
Hong Kong banned dogs from restaurants in 1994 primarily to prevent the spread of disease, particularly rabies. The first phase of the relaxation of the ban attracted more than 1,600 valid applications. The scheme has proved popular with dog owners, but its success will depend on reciprocal respect and tolerance between them and people who do not like dogs or do not care to dine in proximity to them. It remains to be seen whether the scheme adds significantly to patronage of participating restaurants or whether places from which dogs remain banned perceive a loss of business.
After more than 30 years of a ban on dogs, it is to be expected that some businesses will eventually withdraw from the scheme because they do not see a positive effect on business. Yuen said that both the industry and the public need time to adapt.
The scheme will add colour and character to the city’s vibrant restaurant and eatery scene, from fine dining to budget fare. As Chan Hoi-yan, chairwoman of Legco’s food safety and environmental hygiene panel, reminded critics of the scheme, they have a choice of the remaining 90 per cent of restaurants without dog permits.