Lawmakers Consider Bills Allowing Pets In North Carolina Taprooms

North Carolina lawmakers are considering bills allowing dogs and cats in breweries that don't also serve food.

The Forsyth County Department of Public Health recently stepped up enforcement of a state food code that bars pets in craft breweries and taprooms.

The Winston-Salem Journal reports that both the state House and Senate are now considering bills that open the door to exemptions for establishments “not engaged in the preparation of food on the premises.”

Because the bills have a revenue component, they're not subject to last week's “crossover” deadline for bills moving from one chamber to the other.

It's uncertain, though, if the legislation has enough support for passage. Some opponents are concerned that exemptions for craft breweries would lead to restaurants and other food outlets requesting animals be allowed within indoor-dining areas.