A push to allow dogs inside Michigan microbreweries, small wineries and tasting rooms is moving forward in the state Legislature.
Legislation that would make the change advanced out of the House Regulatory Reform Committee last week.
“A perfect day for many people is to visit a local winery, brewery, tasting room, enjoying the scenery, relaxing with friends, playing games, simply unwinding,” bill sponsor state Rep. John Roth, R-Interlochen, previously said. “And many of us, that experience wouldn’t be complete without our friend, our dog.”
The legislation wouldn’t allow dogs inside of bars or breweries with a commercial kitchen.
Instead, dogs would only be allowed in microbreweries, small wineries and tasting rooms that do not have a commercial kitchen. Establishments that have a food truck service outside or serve charcuterie or cold hors d’oeuvres would be permitted, Roth said.
The legislation doesn’t mandate these businesses allow dogs inside. It just gives them the option.
Under current regulations, dogs can be brought to these establishments but need to stay in outdoor areas. That leaves a limited window in a four-season state, Roth said.
“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,” Roth said. “This legislation includes common sense safeguards, requirements for cleanliness, proper waste disposal, even gives establishments the right to set restrictions, such as dog size or behavior.”
Another bill sponsor, state Rep. Natalie Price, D-Berkley, said her office has heard tourists and constituents alike ask for the pet friendly change.
“Tourists from across the country come to Michigan not just to enjoy our lakes and beautiful landscapes, but specifically to tour the more than 400 microbreweries that currently exist in our state,” Price said. “And those who come often bring their dogs.
“Our office has heard from numerous constituents and tourists who love this idea and would be much more likely to go out and spend money at our small businesses if their dogs were allowed in these establishments while they were traveling.”
Roth said there’s been an increase in people wanting to take their pets to more places.
“Surveys and industry reports show that pet friendly travel is on the rise and more people are looking for places where their dogs are welcome,” he said. “Supporting this bill just makes common sense. It reflects changing lifestyles and supports local businesses that want to meet that demand.”
State law defines micro brewers as brewers that manufacture less than 60,000 barrels of beer per year. Small wine makers are defined as wine makers that manufacture or bottle less than 50,000 gallons of wine a year.
Under the legislation, a dog would only be allowed in an establishment if it was leashed, not left unattended and didn’t sit on seats or a customer’s lap.
Businesses would be required to keep the premises free of visible dog hair, dander and other pet-related waste and maintain other cleaning requirements.
Businesses would be allowed to determine the area and amount of space designated for customers accompanied by dogs, establish a limit on the size and type of dog and could deny entry or eject a customer and their dog for any reason.