Social acceptance - Bringing your children to a brewery

[dobe12]

This. In Maryland a kid can be in the bar, but can't sit at ANY bar stool. Even at a restaurant like Outback or TGIF. Having said that, my kids who are now 13 and 14 have been on several brewery tours and thanks to their "old man" usually know more than most of the people walking with us on said tours. At the end during the 'tastings', every brewery I've ever been to, instructs the kids they can't sit at the bar. So we sit them at a high top, and the brewery always has rootbeer or lemonade or something for them. I don't see the big deal. My kids have always been complimented (even when toddlers) at restaurants because of the way the behave. Now, some people let their kids be monsters....most don't. Of course, when out with the kids, either me or my wife are not drinking.....the sober one is driving home. So the blanket statements (as they usually do), just show someones ignorance. The made up rules about certain times of day, and days of the week are just that. Made up, personal rules. They work for you, but don't mean a thing to me. The prudish looks from others don't concern me either. My kids are well adjusted, polite, straight A students who so far show not even an inkling of wanting any alcohol. As stated above, my generation made alcohol a taboo subject and all my friends from middle school on were trying to get some....I don't see that so much in todays society. At least not with my kids or family friends that have the same attitude towards alcohol.

Moving on from the childish back and forth....

All great points Hammy! Couldn't agree more.

 

[Darwin18]

The brewpub wants parents to bring their kids because they'd rather have you there with your wallet and your kids than not there with your wallet. As such they try to be kid friendly with kids menus, booster seats etc. This aside, we get complaints from the singles crowd that they want to be able to go out and have a few with their friends without having to worry about what they say for fear of wilting the tender ears of adjacent children and at the same time we get complaints from parents about shocking language from the louts at the bar. We try to solve this by putting families in the 'dining area' while the bar area is left to the singles. Seems to work OK for the most part (though the occasional complaint does trickle through). It is also true that a misbehaving kid in a Pub is orders of magnitude less annoying than one on a trans Pacific flight.

Well said.

 

[GrogNerd]

FACT: I've heard many others complain about kids in restaurants and bars, so it's NOT JUST ME. just because YOU haven't heard any complaints doesn't mean there aren't any. I'm not the delusional one here.

MY KID CAN GO WHEREVER I WANT HIM TO GO BECAUSE I SAID SO AND I DON'T CARE WHAT ANYONE ELSE SAYS, I'LL DO WHAT I WANT

is the very definition of "selfish"

 

[Hammy71]

Funny how selfish goes both ways. Don't bring your kids because I don't want them to ruin MY experience. Same thing. Look....loud annoying kids shouldn't be on planes, restaruants, bars, buses, malls....but they are. Finding a way to co-exist like Ajdelange stated, sometimes is best. But for the record, if your in a bar and you let language slip....that's on the parents for having them there. If it's a bar/restaurant than shame on you for cussing in public, rather kids are there or not. Mixed company is just that....mixed company. Manners, for both adults and kids seems to be a rare thing.

 

[NervousDad]

If a child can hear an adult cursing in a crowded brewpub, well than maybe the child is not the one misbehaving.

For the record, I have no problem with my kids hearing someone cursing. Every time I hurt myself doing a project around my house I curse at what ever cause my pain . My kids know that I sound like an idiot and that's all that matters. They know better than to say any of the words that I say.

Noisy/cheap places my kids can come, nice restaurant they stay home.

And yes kids on a plane is the worst. I've been on planes were the kids cried the entire flight, but it's just part of the deal kids gotta travel.

 

[mhurst111]

I will say it depends on the brewery. The two I tend to frequent with my 4 & 5 year olds are kid friendly. How do I know this?

One offers free root beer made on-site for kids (and popcorn for everyone).

The other one has kids games in the library (operation, sorry, etc.), along with books for reading.

Do I avoid other breweries when with the kids? No. But I generally visit before without the kids to see what kind of vibe the place has and whether or not they would have fun at the place. Most parents I know do not have a good time at a place if their kids are not having a good time.

 

[pricelessbrewing]

There's a brewery near me that allows kids, as long as it's not too late.This one also has board games available to play for customers.

But another one that doesn't allow kids at all. This one is more of a bar. surprisingly, the bar one is the one that gives me free yeast slurry. The board game one says it's too difficult... I bring jar, you fill jar, I say thanks. but w/e.

 

[Zuljin]

First off, no one will tell me where I can and can't bring my son. That's my call not yours.

Except where prohibited by law.

 

[ajdelange]

And yes kids on a plane is the worst. I've been on planes were the kids cried the entire flight, but it's just part of the deal kids gotta travel.

I believe the FAI record is held by Amy (funny, I still remember her name 25 years later). She screamed all the way from Adelaide to Sydney and I remembered thinking with relief as I got off that flight that I'd never see (hear) Amy again. But when I boarded my connecting flight to LAX guess who was on board? SYD to LAX is a looong flight. What lungs that child must have developed as an adult!

 

[ajdelange]

If a child can hear an adult cursing in a crowded brewpub, well than maybe the child is not the one misbehaving.

Shouldn't there be a place where I can have a drink with my friends and tell the one about the priest, the rabbi, the presbyterian minister and the goat?

The solution in Scotland is (or was) similar to what we do at Mad Fox. Kiddies do not go into the bar but they can sit in the lounge (and the day was when Mum wasn't allowed in the bar either).

 

[Clonefan94]

trust me... everyone hates you bringing your kids anywhere

they're just too polite to tell you leave the annoying brats at home

Is it bad that I've actually felt this way about more adults than I have kids?

 

[NervousDad]

Shouldn't there be a place where I can have a drink with my friends and tell the one about the priest, the rabbi, the presbyterian minister and the goat?

The solution in Scotland is (or was) similar to what we do at Mad Fox. Kiddies do not go into the bar but they can sit in the lounge (and the day was when Mum wasn't allowed in the bar either).

I agree all bets are off at a pub. I was more implying that they were most likely yelling and drunk

 

[Bryggeri]

I go to several tasting rooms breweries and wineries. Both who allow and those that explicitly do not allow children. I personally have no issue with kids at breweries, pubs or tasting rooms as a whole. The issues are with parents they are the same at breweries, the mall or any other venue, they either cannot or choose not to control there kids, they expect watch out for their children's safety since they cannot be bothered to monitor or set boundaries for there children. Usually not a kid problem but a parent problem

 

[fearwig]

It seems to me the people who object to kids in restaurants and breweries don't want any competition. If a grown adult is self-absorbed enough to get flustered about being in the vicinity of a child, it's their problem. If they're flustered enough to tell me about it, it's likely to be their problem twice.

People who get intolerable about this would have found something else to be intolerable about, anyway. Grown children, misbehaving. They think their fun is serious business because they flee from responsibility.

If a brewery has a rule, that's another matter. They can define the atmosphere of their brewery, that's their right. But I reserve my right to judge; a brewery is no place to be a stuffy old crap (or young one, either).

Every kid loses it sometimes, and one or both parents need to be prepared to remove them if that happens. That's not about kids, it's just courtesy.

 

[SeeMont]

Interesting topic. In Montana our State brewery tap room laws require a 8:00 pm closing time and a 48 ounce limit of consumption. Many smaller communities and neighbor have or are getting their own breweries. What I am seeing is they are become the community centers. There are toys for the kids, People have birthday and other family parties. In the larger communities I have visited, there has almost been a revitalization around the brewery. I have seen few behavior problems or out of control drinking.

 

[dobe12]

Except where prohibited by law.

Jeez, totally missed the point. The point was some random guy on HBT isn't going to change my feeling on whether I should or shouldn't take my son to brew pubs, breweries, restaurants, etc.


Sent from my iPhone using Home Brew

 

[AnOldUR]

Jeez, totally missed the point. The point was some random guy on HBT isn't going to change my feeling on whether I should or shouldn't take my son to brew pubs, breweries, restaurants, etc.

Point is, maybe you'll think twice.

 

[WayFrae]

Here in Utah we have what is called the "Zion Curtain" to shield the poor children's eyes from the abhorrent nature of alcohol. It is a 7' 2" wall around the bar area (or a small divider on top of the bar to equal 7' 2") in a restaurant which all alcoholic beverages must be prepared behind. If the restaurant/brewpub has this then it is considered a restaurant and children are welcome. If the Zion Curtain is not present then it is considered a bar and children are not allowed. Also, to go off on a slight tangent here, if the business has the Zion Curtain then you must order food before you can be served any alcohol.

 

[AnOldUR]

And yes kids on a plane is the worst. I've been on planes were the kids cried the entire flight, but it's just part of the deal kids gotta travel.

Yeah, if you're old enough, it doesn't matter. It's like grandkids. Enjoy it and know they'll be going home.

 

[Darwin18]

Every kid loses it sometimes, and one or both parents need to be prepared to remove them if that happens. That's not about kids, it's just courtesy.

I think we all know that, but the issue is the very small but visible percentage of parents who aren't as responsible. Perhaps, a brewery isn't the best place for a small child, especially if the parent isn't responsible and doesn't care about the people around them, no? I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't bring a young child to a brewery, but you should consider the child and the people surrounding you first and then decide if it's a good idea. There are enough people out there who don't, where I think everyone could list at one negative experience at an "adult" venue that's been negatively impacted by a poorly behaving child and even worse behaving parent.

 

[fearwig]

If the parent isn't responsible enough to remove a child during a freak-out, they probably shouldn't take them to see Frozen, either. Doesn't have anything to do with the brewery. This is about manbabies and the caricature of parents and kids they have in their head, not real-life exceptions.

 

[betarhoalphadelta]

Here in Utah we have what is called the "Zion Curtain" to shield the poor children's eyes from the abhorrent nature of alcohol.

Yeah. Utah's pretty f'ing messed up.

Beautiful state. I could never live there.

 

[gratus fermentatio]

The way our whole country treats children and alcohol is a problem, IMO. It's so taboo. Teach your kids about alcohol and responsibility early and hope it sticks. Hiding it from them isn't the answer.


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True. My nieces & nephews have been allowed to have a sip or 2 of alcoholic beverages once in a while, never much, just a taste & ALWAYS under adult supervision. The eldest, now 20, has ZERO interest in drinking, her choice, she just doesn't like the taste. The middle kid, now 14, likes the taste of good beer, but would rather have a Mountain Dew. The youngest, now 10, can't stand the taste of any alcoholic beverage, but for some reason likes to mix drinks. She mixes Shirley Temples for herself & the other kids; maybe someday she'll be a teetotaling bartender.

Point is, we've taken the mystery out of booze. It's not a "taboo" & they see no point in experimenting with booze. This might change later, when they're out on their own & old enough to drink, but the foundations have already been laid, odds are pretty good that they'll continue to abstain or at the very least practice moderation in drinking.
Regards, GF.

 

[judsonp]

I think we all know that, but the issue is the very small but visible percentage of parents who aren't as responsible. Perhaps, a brewery isn't the best place for a small child, especially if the parent isn't responsible and doesn't care about the people around them, no?

This is becoming less about "are kids (in general) okay at breweries" and more about "there are a few kids (and their parents) who ruin things by being jerks". Sure, that's true, but how is that really any different from adults who ruin things (at the same places!) by being jerks. Some people are irresponsible idiots who do a good job of ruining a good time, and it doesn't seem to me that it matters much what tool they use to do it -- kid, dog, loud bachelor party, constant flatulence, vomiting on the floor, starting a fight, uncomfortably flirting with the server so the whole operation slows down, etc.

But then, I live in a college town where it's popular to visit local wineries. At this point, I'd rather see a 4-year-old in a brewery than a bunch of 22-year-olds.

 

[dobe12]

Point is, maybe you'll think twice.

Actually that wasn't the point at all. Don't jump into the middle of a debate unless you understand what is being debated.

 

[dobe12]

I think we all know that, but the issue is the very small but visible percentage of parents who aren't as responsible. Perhaps, a brewery isn't the best place for a small child, especially if the parent isn't responsible and doesn't care about the people around them, no? I'm not saying you can't or shouldn't bring a young child to a brewery, but you should consider the child and the people surrounding you first and then decide if it's a good idea. There are enough people out there who don't, where I think everyone could list at one negative experience at an "adult" venue that's been negatively impacted by a poorly behaving child and even worse behaving parent.

I could say the exact same thing about a supposed adult in many situations. You ever been to a bar with the token drunk loud guy making the atmosphere uncomfortable for everyone else? Or how about the jerk on his cell phone or holding a conversation during a movie? Maybe some jerk fell on you at a Phish concert because he was blasted out of his mind on who knows what (true story). The point is just like the situation you describe, the adults are the issue. Not the children. The children are going to do what they are going to do. It's up to the parents to be responsible and remove the child from a situation/establishment/venue/whatever if he/she acts up. So there are some crappy parents out there who are oblivious to what trouble their child is causing. Does that mean all other parents need to never take their child out in public? I don't think so. And if that is the case, then someone better make sure the loud drunk at the bar stops coming around too, because when I'm out with friends and family, trying to have a good time, I don't want that guy around... just like others don't want the child who may or may not act up around, just in case.

 

[MagooBrew]

Growing up in a town of 300 in Southern Illinois there wasnt anything but small bars. The bar is where you went to get coffee in the morning. The bar is where you went for Sunday lunch. Hell, the bar is where the kids go to wait on the school bus if its raining. Now that I live in the South its entirely different. Bars are thought of as juke joints. Dont you dare take a child in a bar, brewery, or any similar establishment. Its okay if little Johnnys father is cooking meth in the kitchen but dont let him in where they serve the Devils Elixer-Beer. Im through with my rant. Getting on point. I think its fine as a responsoble parent to take my child to a brewery or even a bar. I have enough common sense to know if we should leave.

 

[dobe12]

This is becoming less about "are kids (in general) okay at breweries" and more about "there are a few kids (and their parents) who ruin things by being jerks". Sure, that's true, but how is that really any different from adults who ruin things (at the same places!) by being jerks. Some people are irresponsible idiots who do a good job of ruining a good time, and it doesn't seem to me that it matters much what tool they use to do it -- kid, dog, loud bachelor party, constant flatulence, vomiting on the floor, starting a fight, uncomfortably flirting with the server so the whole operation slows down, etc.

But then, I live in a college town where it's popular to visit local wineries. At this point, I'd rather see a 4-year-old in a brewery than a bunch of 22-year-olds.

Spot on! I should have just seconded your post before I wrote my own, parroting the same point.

 

[OrdinaryAvgGuy]

Here in Utah we have what is called the "Zion Curtain" to shield the poor children's eyes from the abhorrent nature of alcohol. It is a 7' 2" wall around the bar area (or a small divider on top of the bar to equal 7' 2") in a restaurant which all alcoholic beverages must be prepared behind. If the restaurant/brewpub has this then it is considered a restaurant and children are welcome. If the Zion Curtain is not present then it is considered a bar and children are not allowed. Also, to go off on a slight tangent here, if the business has the Zion Curtain then you must order food before you can be served any alcohol.

Never heard of a Zion Curtain. I envision all the curious children trying to catch a glimpse of what goes on behind the "Zion Curtain". Kinda like when you use to sneak into your dad's Playboy collection... Wait maybe that was just me. So how does one interact with the bartender with a huge wall in between?

 

[dobe12]

Never heard of a Zion Curtain. I envision all the curious children trying to catch a glimpse of what goes on behind the "Zion Curtain". Kinda like when you use to sneak into your dad's Playboy collection... Wait maybe that was just me. So how does one interact with the bartender with a huge wall in between?

HA! Gotta love Utah, hilarious! Is this Zion Curtain new? I was there years ago (5-6) and don't remember seeing them. I went to a few brewpubs in town, but don't think I saw any of those screens. I do remember having to pay a "membership fee" to get in somewhere and something about someone sponsoring me so I could get in and drink a beer without having to pay the "membership fee". I agree with an earlier statement, beautiful state, could never live there.

What's next, legalized prostitution... just as long as it's through a glory hole?