(Picaroons Facebook Image)

The dog ban at Picaroons General Store is over. The popular brew stop on Canterbury Street announced late yesterday “an understanding” has been reached with the provincial Health and Public Safety departments allowing the four legged – tail wagging friends to return with their owners under previous guidelines.

Last Friday – Picaroons announced that thanks to a complaint by an anonymous customer Public Health ordered a ban on dogs except service dogs. The ruling stated dogs are not allowed in establishments were food is being consumed. The craft brewer doesn’t prepare or serve food – however – customers have taken advantage of the pizza shop next door or brought a snack with them.

The decision unleashed howls of protest on social media and led to an online petition calling for a reversal of the Public Health ban. Even Saint John – Rothesay MP Wayne Long jumped in saying it’s not a federal issue but he would do what he could to get the ruling overturned. Picaroons owner Sean Dunbar was left shaking his head and vowed to appeal the ruling. Dunbar said he knew who filed the complaint he would ban them – not the pets.