Pint with your pup? Dogs could be allowed in breweries
Owners of The Second Wedge in Uxbridge say that dogs ‘critical part of the culture’ for brewers
UXBRIDGE — There was plenty of tail wagging at The Second Wedge Brewing Company in Uxbridge on Saturday.
More than a dozen dogs — and their humans — were on hand to hear Health Minister Christine Elliott officially announce that dogs could soon be allowed in breweries across Ontario.
The proposed change comes after a successful campaign by the owners of The Second Wedge.
The province is proposing new rules to allow restaurants and breweries the option of allowing dogs on patios and in areas where “low-risk” food is sold.
Currently, pet owners are limited to restaurants and patios that have leash-friendly railings nearby.
If passed, the change would take effect Jan. 1.
“These proposed changes would make it easier and more enjoyable for dogs owners to have a meal out, and to provide greater flexibility for business owners,” said Elliott, who was joined at the Nov. 2 announcement by Pickering-Uxbridge MPP Peter Bethlenfalvy and Prabmeet Sarkaria, associate minister for small business and red tape reduction.
“We can already point to other jurisdictions where businesses are better meeting the needs of their customers and public safety has not been compromised.”
The Second Wedge co-owners Joanne Richter and Rob Garrard took up the fight in August, after an anonymous complaint saw health inspectors inform them that their dog-friendly policy was a no go.
That’s despite the fact they had welcomed dogs to their tasting room and beer garden since opening in 2015.
“Being able to offer a dogfriendly space is a really critical part of the culture,” said Richter.
That’s especially true in Uxbridge, which Richter describes as a “trail-oriented community,” where the brewery is a place people walking the trails with their canine friends can stop for a pint, dog in tow.
The pair launched a petition that was shared by breweries across the province and eventually garnered thousands of signatures.
They also gained support from Uxbridge Mayor Dave Barton, area MPPs and regional chair John Henry.
“It’s been overwhelming,” said Richter. “Our community really stepped up.”
The owners aren’t the only ones happy about the potential change.
Sadie, a 10-year-old black lab, has spent the past four years as the The Second Wedge’s greeter.
After the health inspector’s involvement, the pup had to put her job on hold.
“She was pretty sad; she’s very social,” Garrard says.
“She spent years getting to know all the people.” Uxbridge resident Aaron Bremner was at The Second Wedge for the announcement with his dog Spruce, a threeyear-old shepherd collie mix.
He’s in favour of the proposed change, saying there should be more flexibility when it comes to outdoor spaces, or indoor spaces without kitchens.
“I’m all for safety; I wouldn’t want to bring my dog into a regular restaurant,” Bremner said.
“But this isn’t a restaurant, no one is preparing any food in here. I think there has to be some common sense about that.”
If the regulation change moves forward, Elliott says a public education plan will be developed for restaurants, public health inspectors and communities.
Elliott says the priority remains keeping Ontarians safe, but that certain rules “create unnecessary barriers for local businesses to truly meet the needs of their customers and that also limits choice for consumers.”
The government is gathering feedback on the proposed regulation changes until Nov. 27.