Hair Of The Dog: Law Would Let Pets Inside Breweries

There's a new bill on tap in the General Assembly that would let certain breweries decide for themselves if pets are allowed inside their businesses.

Jon Hardister (R-Guilford) co-sponsored a bill last week that would change the current health laws. If approved, it would allow breweries that have taps to let pets in their tasting rooms.

That's a privilege state law already gives to North Carolina wineries.

Guilford County health inspectors recently determined that Joymongers – a Greensboro brewery that also has a Winston-Salem location – was violating the law by allowing pets inside their business.

Hardister says he worked with the Guilford County Health Department, state health officials and the Craft Brewers Guild to write the bill.  

He says a taproom that serves drinks but doesn't prepare foods shouldn't have to meet the same standards as a restaurant.