Sen. Mike Doherty introduces bill to allow dogs in microbreweries

Mike Deak | Courier News and Home News Tribune

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TRENTON - State Sen. Mike Doherty (R-23rd District) has introduced legislation that would allow dogs to accompany their owners during tastings at microbreweries.

The legislator, who represents portions of Hunterdon and Somerset counties, said the bill was drafted to support the state's expanding microbrewing industry.

“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.”

The legislation would allow dogs to be in areas of licensed microbreweries where brewed products are consumed, but not in areas where beer produced for consumption might be contaminated.

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Dogs would also be prohibited from areas in the microbreweries where they risk contaminating clean equipment, glassware, or related articles in the area designated for drinking beer.

Areas where dogs are allowed would be required to be kept in a clean condition with any messes promptly cleaned and sanitized.

Staff members would not be permitted to have direct contact with dogs while on duty,and would be required to immediately wash their hands should direct contact occur.

For Doherty, the legislation means New Jersey won't be left behind in a national trend to allow dogs in microbreweries. A website, Dogs on Tap, has a listing of microbreweries nationwide that allow dogs.

Several New Jersey microbreweries already allow dogs in the tasting areas. Most will only allow dogs on leashes and dogs are not allowed in the brewing areas.

Some microbreweries will serve water to dogs because even a small amount of alcohol can be extremely harmful for canines.

“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.”

Staff Writer Mike Deak: 908-243-6607; mdeak@mycentraljersey.com