Matt Czigler is all for a new measure introduced in the state Legislature on Thursday to allow customers to bring dogs into microbreweries while being served.

"Since day one of our opening back in June 2016 we have been allowing dogs in the tasting room and in our outdoor biergarten," said Matt Czigler, owner of Czig Meister Brewing Company in Hackettstown. "Only recently with the realization that breweries were considered retail food establishments and dogs wouldn't be allowed inside, did we have to suspend having our four-legged friends indoors. Once we were informed of this by the county health department we immediately started petitioning for a change in the law."

Czigler said he and other supporters started a petition on change.org to change the law.

"We ask that the state lawmakers review the current law, realize that there is a major difference between what a 'retail food establishment' does, and what we actually do at breweries across the state," the petition said

Sen. Mike Doherty, R-Hunterdon, Somerset, has introduced S2753 that would allow dogs to accompany their owners during tastings at microbreweries. It was not immediately clear if Czigler's petition influenced his decision to introduce the legislation.

Doherty's legislation would allow owners to bring dogs into microbreweries, but not in areas where items produced for consumption might be contaminated, a statement said. The legislator was in Trenton Thursday and did not return a request for comment.

"New Jersey's microbrewing industry is growing at a rapid pace, but it needs our support to continue expanding," Doherty said in the statement. "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."

Kathy Abate, co-owner of Devil's Creek Brewery in Collingswood, also supports the effort to change the law.

"You're walking down a street and you stumble upon a brewery and you love beer and you have your dog, you can just come in and sit down and have a refreshing beer," said Abate, who owns Devil's Creek Brewery, with her husband in Collingswood. "That's the way it should be. One of the reasons we moved here is this is considered Main Street America and what's more American than the family pet being able to sit down with you while you enjoy your beer?"

Kathy Abate, co-owner of Devil's Creek Brewery, Collingswood. (Submitted photo)

Abate said they have allowed some pet owners to bring dogs inside of their tasting room. She said they would sometimes screen owners who called to ask if it was allowed.

But Abate said a complaint to the Camden County Department of Health led to warnings from officials that dogs are not allowed on the premise.

"Non-service dogs are prohibited by NJAC 8:29 in any facility that manufactures either food or beverage including bars and restaurants," Camden County spokesman Dan Keashen said. Keashen said public complaints triggered stepped up enforcement.

"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 said. "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."

Even though Doherty represents parts of Somerset and Hunterdon counties, Abate, whose business is in Camden County, is still giving him a thumbs up.

"For us, it's a great thing," she said. "The brewery is walkable and we get families in here with strollers and young children. Of course, if it's a family pet, they want to be able to bring the dog in, as well. For us it's ideal to be able to allow the dogs in."

Bill Duhart may be reached at bduhart@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @bduhart. Find NJ.com on Facebook.

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