Hong Kong equality watchdog urges better wheelchair access, services for disabled diners in first practical catering sector guidelines

Equal Opportunities Commission releases first practical guide for catering industry to help restaurants serve diners who are disabled or have other mobility issues

Best practices include installing ramps and automatic doors, widening passageways and using adjustable tables, according to non-enforceable guidelines

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The guide follows the principles of universal design, which focuses on accessible features that do not necessarily lead to complicated renovations or high-cost modifications. Photo: Yik Yeung-man

Published: 9:07pm, 30 Oct 2023Updated: 12:35am, 31 Oct 2023

Hong Kong’s equality watchdog has called on restaurants to install ramps and automatic doors, widen passageways and use adjustable tables in its first practical guide for the catering industry.

The guide, launched by the Equal Opportunities Commission on Monday, outlines best practices for restaurants to serve diners who are disabled or have other mobility issues. Its recommendations were based on the typical client experience from entering a restaurant through to placing orders and eating, the commission said.

Ricky Chu Man-kin, who chairs the commission, said the public was mainly focused on providing transport solutions for people with disabilities.

“In contrast, little attention has been paid to the accessibility of goods, services and facilities provided by restaurants. Therefore, the commission has launched the guide to enhance the public’s understanding of the needs of people with disabilities in restaurants and dining facilities.”

An industry leader said the non-legally binding “Practical Guide on Universal Design for Catering Services” would serve as a good reference for restaurants, but questioned the feasibility of some suggestions.

According to the watchdog, the city is home to about 534,200 people with disabilities and 1.45 million elderly residents, who respectively account for 7.1 per cent and 20 per cent of the population.

(From left) Commission representatives launch the new guide: Doris Tsui, head; Ferrick Chu, executive director; Ricky Chu,chairperson; and May Fung, senior equal opportunities officer. Photo: Elson LI

It said a study by a rehabilitation organisation showed more than 70 per cent of surveyed restaurants failed to comply with requirements for enabling patrons with disabilities to access dining services, potentially contravening the Disability Discrimination Ordinance.