Hong Kong’s Chief Executive John Lee delivered his fourth policy address on Wednesday (Sep. 17), speaking for two hours and 54 minutes on his government’s plans to reinvigorate the local economy and support future growth.
Businesses and professionals within Hong Kong’s hospitality industry can remain cautiously optimistic with six key plans John Lee raised in his address, targeting the easing of policies and making dining more attractive in Hong Kong.
Previously illegal, the government will begin allowing restaurant operators to apply for special permission to allow for dogs to dine alongside their owners. “Approved restaurants will display clear signage to indicate that customers may enter with dogs,” read the Policy Address 2025.
Popular with dog owners across the city, restaurants with outside seating accommodation (OSA), or businesses wishing to apply for such accreditation, will also now be able to expedite the approval process to allow for outdoor dining on their premises.
“The procedures will be streamlined, including adopting standardised Government rent for OSA; allowing some applications to proceed without requirement for increasing kitchen area or bathroom facilities.”
Continuing with the government’s push to increase Muslim travel from Southeast Asia and the Middle East, the Policy Address stated that the Hong Kong Tourism Board (HKTB) will be launching a subsidy scheme for restaurants applying for halal certification, with the certification fee capped at HKD5,000 till the end of 2026.
Additionally, the HKTB will be amping up global marketing efforts for a new and improved Hong Kong Wine & Dine Festival staged this October, promoting “the city’s diverse bar and restaurant landscape as well as its appeal as an international culinary hub.”
Finally, without providing further details, the Policy Address stated that the government will “beautify Lan Kwai Fong and the surrounding streetscape by phase to promote “community engagement”.”
