TRENTON, NJ — A bill introduced in New Jersey would permit dogs in designated areas of licensed microbreweries, under specific conditions aimed at ensuring cleanliness and safety.
The proposed legislation stipulates that dogs will only be allowed in areas designated for brewed product consumption and only if the brewery owner elects to allow them. Dogs will not have access to areas where they could contaminate products intended for human consumption or clean equipment and glassware.
Sanitation is a key focus of the bill. Any surfaces contaminated by a dog must be promptly cleaned and sanitized. Brewery staff are prohibited from direct contact with dogs while on duty and must wash their hands immediately if they touch a dog.
The bill also mandates that dogs be kept on a leash or in a carrier and under the control of their owner at all times. Furthermore, any food or water offered to dogs must be in a single-use, disposable container.