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

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.