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Drink with Your Dog Thanks to New Law

Virginia Department of Agriculture

 

 

Rolling into the weekend you may have plans to relax at one of Virginia’s many breweries or wineries. In the future, thanks to a new law, you may be able to bring your four legged-friend along.

 

 

Jennifer Breaux’s family winery is in Loudoun County, sitting on more than 400 acres.

“It’s kind of nice we have the land, we have the land to accommodate people that bring their dogs without compromising the experience for those who may wish to not be near dogs,” says Breaux.

And even though they are a dog friendly family, they had to stop allowing dogs in the tasting room because of state law. Breaux says it affected business.

“Fewer visitors, for sure, were coming out. And then, you know, when people would come with their dogs we’d have to say ‘No you can’t even bring your dog in even just to grab a bottle of wine.’,” she recalls.

That’s why Breaux has happily followed along this year as Virginia’s General Assembly changed the law.

Wineries, breweries and distilleries will still get the option to allow, or not allow dogs. But for those who want to tap into the pet-friendly market, they’ll now have the option starting July first.

This report, provided by Virginia Public Radio, was made possible with support from the Virginia Education Association.

Mallory Noe-Payne is a Radio IQ reporter based in Richmond.
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