Breweries and taprooms in North Carolina are about to let the dogs in, now that a restrictive law has been overturned by the governor.
Forget letting the dogs out in North Carolina, it’s time to let them back in. Breweries, brewpubs, and taprooms in the state can rejoice as they can finally let our favorite furry friends back inside.
According to CBS 17, Gov. Roy Cooper signed a law on Aug. 5 that would overturn previous restrictions that made it unlawful for a dog to be inside a brewery or taproom. This means that starting on Sept. 1, pups and their owners can once more head inside of their favorite local brewpub to grab a drink and socialize.
The new law allows dogs to be on the premises as long as the establishment does not prepare food on site, which is great news for many brewpubs, which feel that having dog owners be allowed to bring their pups with them to grab a drink makes it easier to have a more community feel.
Considering the amount of confusion that surrounded the previous law, and the fact that for a while beer was classified as a food, it makes sense that the governor would overturn the previous restrictions on dogs being allowed in breweries.
For many brewpubs, the decision is one of great relief. In fact, an attorney representing the state’s craft breweries explained that, “This has been more or less a grassroots issue for breweries, taprooms and small businesses across the state.” John Szymankiewicz, went on to say that “for somewhere that’s a community gathering point, to not let people bring their pets, it can be a competitive disadvantage.”
It makes sense that many breweries would feel that they were being put at a disadvantage by not being allowed to let dogs in, particularly in locations where no food is being made. And with many locations not enforcing the laws strictly and no widespread regulation, having this final decision made by Cooper means no more worries about whether having a pup joining their owner could end up being a costly decision.
For some of the breweries who were impacted by the old law, this news is a welcome relief and one they plan to celebrate. In fact, some have already taken to social media to share their excitement and let patrons know that there will be a “pawty” to celebrate.
Of course, for now, dogs will have to remain outside until the new law goes into effect. But, once Sept. 1 rolls around, pups will be allowed back inside to enjoy even more quality time with their owners.