Chief Executive John Lee said on Wednesday that authorities would establish a new licensing system to allow dogs in designated food premises in a move to capitalise on a growing consumer trend.

Lee said the move, which comes as part of his Policy Address initiatives, is designed to support the business sector by creating pet-friendly spaces, which the government believes will unlock significant new economic opportunities.

"More than 240,000 households in Hong Kong keep more than 400,000 cats and dogs as pets, generating an enormous consumption market, including food and products, healthcare, insurance, grooming, training and more," he said.

Under the new framework, licensed restaurants would be required to display clear signage informing customers that dogs are allowed on the premises.

Lee added that the policy aligns with existing efforts by the business sector and transport operators to offer more pet-inclusive premises and travel arrangements in recent years.

Lee said the first group of restaurants will be permitted to allow dogs indoors beginning in mid-2026.

In response, Lui Hon-kwong, a professor in the department of marketing and international business at Lingnan University, said that while the market is expected to grow due to an ageing population and rising pet ownership, the initiative's success hinges on public acceptance and overall economic adaptation.

"You have to arrange for the whole economy to welcome this move," he said.

"Suppose we can go to a restaurant, but how do we go to the restaurant? It's a problem. Transportation does not allow the pets.

"Then they have to take a taxi. You cannot expect everyone to take a taxi or everyone drives. Also, not all the shopping malls welcome pets.

"When you talk about the pets, do we have toilet facilities for the pets? A range of activities, a range of supporting equipment facilities have to be there, not just the restaurant."

Many people that RTHK spoke to welcomed the announcement.

Pet owner Kris Tsui hailed it as a positive first step but expressed hope for more, saying perhaps the next policy would be to allow people to bring pets aboard MTR carriages or buses.

"That would be great because nowadays more and more people choose to keep a pet instead of a child," she said.

Ada Feng said the change would encourage people to dine out without worrying about leaving their pets at home.

Alysia Li said there is a need for clear guidelines to ensure that pets don't bother other customers.