Bill allowing dogs in craft breweries advances in Trenton

TRENTON - They may not all be party animals like Spuds MacKenzie, but soon dogs may be allowed to accompany their human friends into craft breweries in New Jersey.

Legislation sponsored by state Sens. Kip Bateman (R-16th District) and Mike Doherty (R-23rd District) allowing dogs in the sampling and tasting areas of New Jersey breweries will advance to the full state Senate for a vote after it passed the Senate's Law and Public Safety Committee.

“One of the biggest challenges any small business owner will face is increasing foot traffic. Our bill will increase foot and paw traffic for local breweries,” Bateman said in a statement.

The state's rapidly growing craft breweries have proven to be popular gathering places for friends and families, Bateman said.

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“Breweries are more than brick and mortar and steel tanks — they are hopping hang out spots where people can get together, hoist a pint, and make new memories," Bateman said. "Allowing man’s best friend to come along will make those memories even better."

Dogs are valued members of a family, he added.

"My daughter just adopted a new puppy," Bateman said. "I hope this bill will pass quickly, so we can go support our local brewery together, with Sydney in tow.”

The legislation would allow dogs in areas of licensed microbreweries where brewed products are consumed. Dogs would not be permitted in areas where items produced for consumption might be contaminated. Dogs would also be prohibited from areas where they risk contaminating clean equipment, glassware, or related articles in the area designated for the consumption of brewed products.

Only clean dogs will be allowed. Any messes or accidents must be 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 law will help a small business, like a craft brewery, thrive.

“If we want to keep entrepreneurs here, we have to get rid of regulations that discourage them from planting roots in the Garden State," Doherty said. "Allowing dogs is something our microbrewery owners have said will help their industry continue to grow and thrive.”

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