Thousands of beer and dogs lovers are upset across the state of Florida because their favorite local breweries will soon not allow them to bring Fido inside with them.
The Florida Department of Health (DOH) recently sent notices to breweries throughout the state informing them per Florida Administrative Code 64E-11:
No live birds or animals except for crustacea, shellfish and fish in aquariums shall be allowed in a food service establishment, in vehicles used for transporting food or in any other area or facility used to conduct food service operations; except as provided under Section 413.08, F.S.
Although breweries do not have traditional food service, 64E-11 defines food as "any raw, cooked or processed edible substance, ice, beverage or ingredient used or intended for use in whole, or in part, for human consumption.”
After receiving the notice from the DOH, an owner of a Jacksonville brewery, Mark Stillman, created a petition on change.org to encourage state legislators to pass “dog-friendly legislation so that people can continue to enjoy having their four-legged family members join them at their favorite brewery, winery, distillery or pub.”
"Dogs have been a part of breweries since the time of the Ancient Egyptians and so far no one has suffered any kind of ailment as a result," Stillman wrote in the petition.
So far, the petition has received more than 13,500 signatures. The goal is to get 15,000 signatures.
According to the DOH, dogs will still be allowed in outdoor seating areas and patios. The 64E-11 code does not affect service animals.
For more information or to sign the petition, click here.
