Committee hears bills to let companion dogs inside certain microbreweries and tasting rooms

The House Regulatory Reform Committee heard testimony on a package of bills from Representative Roth and Representative Price that would allow companion dogs inside qualified premises such as microbreweries, small winemakers and tasting rooms that do not serve food.

The measures, presented as optional for business owners, outline sanitation and safety requirements proponents said would protect patrons while expanding consumer choice and supporting tourism and small businesses.

Representative Roth told the committee the bills are intended to reflect changing consumer habits and to help small businesses attract customers. “Most importantly, this is optional,” Representative Roth said, adding that no business would be required to permit dogs inside. Representative Price summarized the scope: “This is about allowing…