Bill would allow pets inside North Carolina breweries with taprooms

GREENSBORO, N.C. — A North Carolina legislator has filed that would allow breweries with taprooms to determine whether they'll allow dogs inside their businesses.

The News & Record of Greensboro reports Rep. Jon Hardister of Guilford County is co-sponsoring the legislation filed Friday. It changes state health laws to allow breweries that have taprooms to allow pets in their tasting rooms.

State law already gives that choice to wineries.

Guilford County health inspectors recently determined that a Greensboro brewery called Joymongers was violating 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.

Associated Press