SENATE LAW AND PUBLIC SAFETY COMMITTEE

STATEMENT TO

SENATE, No. 2753

with committee amendments

STATE OF NEW JERSEY

DATED:  DECEMBER 6, 2018

      The Senate Law and Public Safety Committee reports favorably and with committee amendments Senate Bill No. 2753.

      As amended and reported by the committee, this bill allows dogs in areas of limited breweries designated for the consumption of malt alcoholic beverages.

      Under the amended bill, dogs are allowed in any area of the licensed premises of a limited brewery designated for the consumption of malt alcoholic beverages provided that: 1) the holder of a limited brewery license has elected to allow dogs on the licensed premises; 2) dogs will not have access to any areas of the premises where a dog would present a risk of contamination of products intended for human consumption; 3) the area of the licensed premises designated for consumption of malt alcoholic beverages can be accessed without passing through any areas of the licensed premises where the presence of a dog would present a risk of contamination of products intended for human consumption; 4) the presence of dogs will not present a risk of contaminating any clean equipment, glassware, or related articles in the area designated for the consumption of malt alcoholic beverages; 5) staff members are not allowed to have any direct contact with dogs while on duty, and will be required to promptly wash their hands following any direct contact with a dog; 6) the designated area is maintained in a clean condition, and any surfaces contaminated by dog excrement or bodily fluids are promptly cleansed and sanitized; 7) any food or water provided to dogs is in a single-use, disposable container; and 8) dogs are required to be on leashes or in carriers and under the owner’s control at all times.  

COMMITTEE AMENDMENTS:

      The committee amended the bill to:

      1)   refer to the products produced by the holder of a limited brewery license as malt alcoholic beverages rather than brewed products;

      2)   change the term owner or operator of a brewery to the holder of a limited brewery license; and

      3)   make other clarifying and technical changes.