Legislation Would Allow Dogs In NJ Microbreweries

What could be better than a beer tasting? Maybe enjoying one with your furry four-legged friend? Legislation has been introduced by Senator Mike Doherty (R-23) that would allow dogs to accompany their owners during tastings at microbreweries.

The bill was introduced in response after Czig Meister Breweing Company in Hackettstown was forced to no longer allow dogs. (See Related: Dogs No Longer Allowed Inside Czig Meister Brewing Company)

“We’ve heard from brew pub operators that many customers who stop in for a tasting have their dogs in tow, which creates conflict with public health officials who don’t like pets in establishments where food or drink is consumed," said Doherty. "It’s possible to meet the demands of customers without sacrificing the cleanliness we expect when we visit our microbreweries.”

In the legislation, dogs would be allowed to be in areas of licensed microbreweries where brewed products are consumed. However, dogs would not be allowed in areas where brewed products are made or areas where they risk contaminating clean equipment, glassware, or related articles in the area designated for the consumption of brewed products.

Staff at the microbreweries would also not be allowed to have direct contact with dogs while working and if they did, they would be required to wash their hands.

“As microbrewing has grown nationwide, a number of states have begun to address the challenge of how to handle the dogs that are frequently brought to taprooms,” Doherty added. “We can be among the leaders in addressing this issue in a way that’s good for customers, good for business, and good for public health.”

What do you think? Should dogs be allowed in microbreweries? Comment below.

(Image via Shutterstock)

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