Public acceptance is increasing for the new policy allowing pet dogs in designated dining venues as its implementation has been smooth and stable since July 9, according to a Hong Kong Special Administrative Region government spokesman.  

The spokesman said in a statement on Saturday that the number of designated eateries allowed to let dogs in has also grown steadily, rising from 940 at the start of implementation on July 9 to over 970.

“This indicates that the vast majority of permitted food premises have chosen to continue participating, reflecting an overall stable situation,” the statement reads.

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He noted that the first phase of the new measure sets a quota of 1,000 food premises, and establishing a waiting list mechanism is an important part of the SAR government's policy design.

As early as June 26, the Food and Environmental Hygiene Department has already placed unsuccessful applicant food premises on a waiting list according to their ballot order.

If an approved dining venue withdraws its permission, its quota is swiftly reallocated to applicants on the waiting list, the spokesman said.  

He added that while some food premises have withdrawn, even more waitlisted applicants are eager to take up the released quotas.

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“Since the implementation of the new policy, the government is pleased to see active cooperation from both the public and the trade,” the spokesman said.

He stressed that during the remaining half of the month-long adaptation period, the government will continue to adopt an "advice before enforcement" approach in handling non-compliance cases.

However, this does not mean a relaxation of regulatory oversight, the spokesman said, adding that serious non-compliance cases or situations affecting environmental hygiene or food safety will be dealt with decisively.