Jacksonville Beach brewery says health department will not allow animals at bar

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A Jacksonville Beach brewery said in a Facebook post that they are working to overturn a decision that prevents dogs from being near the bar area.

Southern Swells Brewing Company received a letter dated Aug. 13 from the Florida Department of Health stating live animals may be present on a patio or similar area -- but not inside the bar because beer and other beverages are considered food.

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"Although Bars under the Department of Health 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," the letter from the health department stated.

Southern Swells Brewing Company is asking for the community's help in demanding the department of health and the state representative to change their decision.

"Please be assured that we love having dogs and their owners in our brewery and will do everything in our power to help overturn this decision as quickly as possible," the brewery said.

Cox Media Group