[{"_1":2,"_88":-5,"_89":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,76],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},"mediaId",6583737,"mediaKeyId","3111697-62f452f0ba4f1eaff1bd6e3f907b0259","parentId",3111697,"title","Rep. Snyder, retailers say bill would remove $250,000 inventory rule that ties up cash for gas-station liquor licenses","audioSeconds",739,"startMs",1454000,"endMs",2193000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3111697-62f452f0ba4f1eaff1bd6e3f907b0259&start=1454&end=2193","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3111697-62f452f0ba4f1eaff1bd6e3f907b0259/thumbnail_1454000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6583737/Michigan/Rep-Snyder-retailers-say-bill-would-remove-250000-inventory-rule-that-ties-up-cash-for-gas-station-liquor-licenses","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583737-e40a2bc8dfd3453fb2da281f7b65b6d2/orig.mp4?Expires=1770946027&Signature=d7VySBYEGmZHsXZgtssXAm3RRg5t90s6-BaWVlHGVbs8CjAK2HNDCOAidEMfAizuIzff3WTY0qjqKvihCFIUawFGAX1Jn7h2IE3YP77EHRvwS4ScNAXUW-Pta6oOx~PV22xU6BRXWdoPBYYegImBpyB-VzmjCBKNDJPhK3VgOhNY0NKW14CasCo96l7d7c9QRLpd2-roEVlexnKcgrMGf54neu91V8TZ7liERKRDAGZpSqfHh1UJhPcvsIYZH7RTRRvtFoiS5NijT62t--29iq9JKu2ZrTwW5~O5JZdPtw30lbG18Mx-VE~8UHxcwtWVHQ-9mpFvQKzvoH~84o1fyQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","Michigan Legislature","date","2025-04-24T14:21:41.16Z","article","Representative Snyder and industry witnesses told the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee that House Bill 4276 would eliminate an inventory requirement that single out motor fuel retailers seeking specially designated distributor (SDD) licenses to sell spirits, a rule witnesses described as an unfair barrier to small retailers.

Snyder said the requirement forces some retailers to hold a separate $250,000 stock of nonfuel, nonalcohol inventory to satisfy licensing checks. “This legislation would simply eliminate this inventory requirement. It is nothing more than an unnecessary bureaucratic red tape that doesn't serve a public good,” Snyder said.

Mark Griffin of the Michigan Petroleum Association and the Michigan Association of Convenience Stores testified in support. “This would end the current situation where only motor fuel retailers are treated unfairly like this,” Griffin told the committee, adding that only about 105 specially designated distributor licenses exist statewide and that many convenience stores will not seek to sell spirits.

JJ Westgate, who identified himself as a third‑generation owner of Wesco, described the practical impact on his company’s finances and operations. “All 56 of them have SDM and STD licenses. 45 of our locations have STD licenses. Of those 45, 26 of them are required to have the $250,000 inventory. That's about $4,600,000 in postage stamps that we have sitting around to satisfy the inventory requirements,” Westgate said, urging parity for gas‑station retailers.

Witnesses said the bill would not increase the number of SDD licenses available and would not change other licensing requirements; instead, they said, the change would free up capital that retailers could reinvest in stores and communities. Westgate said his family‑owned company typically keeps $60,000–$70,000 in approved inventory, but the SDD requirement forces a large, idle additional purchase that is not circulated because licensees fear inventory inspections.

Committee members asked whether the change would affect local enforcement or public safety. Witnesses said the bill includes language codifying a process for local government involvement in the liquor‑licensing review and that the Michigan Liquor Control Commission (MLCC) would retain enforcement authority. Representative Robozniak asked whether the statutory language that allows the MLCC to suspend licenses for violations referred specifically to liquor‑related codes; witnesses and staff said it would codify practices the MLCC already follows.

The committee heard letters and position cards read into the record denoting support from NFIB, Kwik Trip, Midwest Independent Retailers Association and others; the transcript shows Dave Martin of the Michigan Liquor Control Commission listed as neutral on the bill. The hearing concluded without a recorded committee vote in the transcript.

House Bill 4276 remains under consideration by the Regulatory Reform Committee.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Regulatory Reform - 4/24/2025","oneSentenceSummary","House Bill 4276, presented to the Regulatory Reform Committee, would eliminate a $250,000 inventory requirement that currently applies to certain license holders who sell motor fuel; sponsors and industry witnesses said the rule forces some gas‑station retailers to tie up large sums in items such as postage stamps to satisfy inventory checks.","taxTitle","2025 House Legislature MI, Michigan","taxId",77683,"location","Michigan","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":77,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":78,"_41":79,"_43":80,"_45":81,"_47":82,"_49":83,"_51":84,"_53":85,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":86,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":87,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":72,"_73":74,"_75":74},6583741,"House committee hears bills to let dogs inside some microbreweries, wineries and tasting rooms",1067,389000,1456000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3111697-62f452f0ba4f1eaff1bd6e3f907b0259&start=389&end=1456","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3111697-62f452f0ba4f1eaff1bd6e3f907b0259/thumbnail_389000.jpg","/articles/6583741/Michigan/House-committee-hears-bills-to-let-dogs-inside-some-microbreweries-wineries-and-tasting-rooms","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6583741-476e9f299ef56fbb420222cccb3c9bbe/orig.mp4?Expires=1770946027&Signature=Ms2fbFiG7u0qQYeGwqMX8f8~V6Z0BiDCh7ERCIGLnhK3NkJhwWkfytNk2HZNIFpEzwJNiEcEZ~yhWCqGgBPM4kXE9VagIKftbQMKQ2W430v0AVQFkHXYcSWahzD2HM~MK9mXmz1Y3ZaUI0a1RT8CS22e599ZqLOne1jbwF6xK~3mLRiZW75ObujA4828yweVWllitsnAr6uP6lOC3~F8-Taiprd~t4gyyfiYc9M2s2rWL4CgrC63iqQ4E0fS93c-N6nJ8lfI6mfd4C6P25s1ICCWdGMwJkIg4q6fQWyv-9TEm2iNj596P70CCJCpMNr0SQTMh9r7RvG4YjiBwgkfDQ__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","The Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee heard a package of bills from Representatives Roth and Price that would allow owners of certain microbreweries, small winemakers and tasting rooms that do not serve food to permit dogs inside their establishments while imposing cleaning and behavior rules, lawmakers and supporters said.

Supporters said the bills are optional for businesses and include “common-sense safeguards” intended to protect public health and allow owners to set limits on dog size or behavior. Representative Roth described the measure as a response to customers who want to bring pets with them when they visit breweries and tasting rooms. “If this bill passes, it would allow people to enjoy these social spaces with their dogs year round while still maintaining public health and safety,” Representative Roth said.

Representative Price, who joined Roth in presenting the package, framed the bills as an economic opportunity for small businesses and tourism. Price cited a news report indicating Michigan ranks sixth nationally in microbreweries and said the industry accounts for more than $144 million in wages and about $600 million in total economic output annually, urging the committee to consider the bills as a business‑friendly change.

Kyle Jurada, owner of Dog and Pony Show Brewing in Oak Park, testified by video that his taproom currently must keep dogs outdoors on the patio and that allowing dogs inside would expand the brewery’s appeal. “Many people walk, bike, and come up to the brewery, but they wanna bring their dogs with them,” Jurada said, describing walkable neighborhoods and family‑oriented events that draw customers.

The proposed bills include several standards supporters described during questioning: qualified premises must keep facilities free of visible dog hair, dander and other dog‑related waste; cleaning equipment used for dog waste must be stored separately from other cleaning supplies; dogs must be leashed; dogs may not contact tabletops or countertops and are not allowed on chairs or customers’ laps; and dogs must be excluded from areas where drinks are prepared. The bills apply only to establishments that do not serve food hot from a kitchen; businesses that serve food would not qualify.

Committee members asked about liability, vaccination and licensing requirements. Supporters said the bills do not mandate vaccination or licensing checks; those matters would be left to the premises owner’s policies. Representative Wozniak asked, “Who’s responsible to clean up after the dog?” A presenter responded that cleanup responsibility is up to the facility and that owners would likely supply waste bags and set expectations for patrons.

Testimony included examples from both rural and urban parts of the state, with supporters saying the option could help businesses in places such as Traverse City and small downtown tasting rooms as well as neighborhood breweries. Supporters emphasized the bills are permissive — no business would be required to allow animals inside — and that owners would retain discretion to deny entry or set limitations such as size restrictions.

The committee heard the testimony and then moved on to the next agenda item; no committee vote on the bills was recorded in the hearing transcript.

The bills remain under consideration by the Regulatory Reform Committee.","A package of bills presented to the Michigan House Regulatory Reform Committee would let owners of certain microbreweries, small winemakers and tasting rooms that do not serve food choose whether to allow dogs inside, with sanitation and behavior safeguards written into the proposals.","actionData","errors"]

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Rep. Snyder, retailers say bill would remove $250,000 inventory rule that ties up cash for gas-station liquor licenses

House committee hears bills to let dogs inside some microbreweries, wineries and tasting rooms