Hong Kong restaurants will be able to apply for licences from May 18 to allow dogs under a new scheme, with the first designated venues expected to admit pets from July.

The Food and Environmental Hygiene Department said on Thursday that applications would open on May 18 and close on June 8.

In the first phase, applications will be capped at 1,000 restaurants. If the number exceeds the quota, places will be allocated by ballot.

Restaurants larger than 20 square metres (215 square feet) are eligible to apply, the department said.

For safety reasons, applications from hotpot, teppanyaki and barbecue restaurants, including Korean, will not be accepted.

Successful applicants will be able to add a dog-admission endorsement to their food business licence for a fee of HK$140 (US$18).

Dogs must be kept on leads no longer than 1.5 metres and under the control of an adult. Dangerous breeds are prohibited.