Starting this summer, the City and County of Denver will begin enforcing a part of the Denver Food Establishment Regulations that it has let slide over the last few years — the practice of allowing dogs inside of breweries. Even though most breweries do not serve food or have kitchens, it is still part of the food safety regulations that pets are not allowed inside these establishments. That means no more having a drink inside our favorite brewery with our four-legged friends.

According to Meghan Hughes, Communications Director for the City of Denver Department of Environment Health, the city will begin enforcing the existing code now that the city has reinstated routine inspections of tap rooms and breweries. In case you were wondering, the rules can be found in Chapter 8-106 of the codebook.

These and other food safety rules were adopted May 8, 2014 — however, due to lack of funding and staff, the department did not enforce the no dogs in breweries rule unless there was a citizen complaint about dogs in a specific establishment. Since no one was looking, breweries and their patrons simply ignored the rule and allowed pets inside. For 2016, the budget for routine inspections and the staff to carry them out has been restored, and now the department will visit all establishments on its own. If pets are found inside, fines can be issued.

Hughes is careful to explain that service dogs will continue to be allowed inside, as they are in restaurants, and that dogs are also still allowed on outdoor patios “when the facility meets certain standards under the food code.” She also states that when it comes to fines, warnings will be issued first. The fines will begin at $250 and increase by another $250 for each subsequent violation. However, Hughes says they are in the process of educating the industry and the public about enforcement, so for this year only, no fines will be issued until there is a third violation. 

Before you start thinking about breaking the rule, keep in mind it is the brewer that will pay the fine, not you, so think before you bring your dog. Better yet, call in advance to see what is allowed.

Since many breweries have outdoor decks and patios, this shouldn’t be a problem, especially since it will soon be summer and people will be sitting outside.  However, one Denver brewery that does not have outdoor seating did have something to say about the issue on their Facebook page:

We agree.

So far, this rule enforcement is only in the city limits of Denver and is not metro or state-wide. The Colorado Retail Food Establishment Rules and Regulations (updated in 2013), which are used by Adams, Arapahoe, Douglas and Jefferson Counties, do not specifically address this issue regarding breweries, but do state that dogs are not allowed inside establishments that serve food. So the question is, are breweries considered food establishments by the state? Drink Denver will be watching this issue over the next few months to see how it all plays out.

Photo via Carrie Dow