Blackjack dealer stopping before 17?

[jdtimi]

I don't think I've ever seen this situation, but I had a blackjack hand where I stood at 14 (dealer showed a 2). The dealer proceeded to hit up to 7 cards stopping at 16. I've always assumed that the dealer had to ALWAYS hit below 17. This happened in Capt. Cook's Casino which uses Microgaming software I believe. Is the dealer allowed to stop as soon as he beats your hand???