Babies in the Bar
So this baby walks into a bar, and …
Well, the baby didn’t actually walk into the bar—it was in a stroller, pushed by its mother, who was going to have a drink or two with some other moms who brought their kids, and…that’s why this is no joke.
There’s a bar fight brewing across the country. In Seattle, Austin, Philadelphia, Boston and beyond, bar patrons are getting lathered up on both sides of a polarizing parenting issue: is it responsible (or even acceptable) to belly up to the bar with young children in tow?
Those opposed to the mix of cocktails and sippy cups have posted their unequivocal sentiments on numerous online message boards and blogs, like this one in Philadelphia: “I do not want to be in a bar around children. Ever. Bars are for adults.”
Stroller grid-lock has been increasing in bars—often under signs that say “No One Under 21 Admitted”—along with the irritation of patrons who object to shoving crayons out of the way of their cosmos.
Those pushing for more kids in more bars are usually the same people pushing the strollers: mothers of the pre-school set, who say: “We want to do everything we always did, but with our babies.”
So when the owner of a bar in Brooklyn recently posted a “Please No Strollers” sign, he opened yet the latest front in the battle of the bottle. Moms seethed, while critics— like this one in Tucson —applauded: “Grow up, people,” she wrote. “Your lives are different now.”
Tell us what you think: Are we lowering the responsibility bar by allowing kids in the neighborhood bar?
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Bars Vs. Restaurants W/ Liquor License
Valleester, I COMPLETELY understand where you’re coming from. A couple of years ago, when my kids were 1 and 3, my husband was out of town for 3 months, and I had no one to help me with the kids (who both have Autism). I was going stir crazy!
Plus, I think there’s a big difference between a bar and a bar & grill, like the one you described. Any place that has a kids’ menu is definitely child friendly! And I think it’s good for kids to see adults drinking responsibly.
Alyssa | 1 year, 11 months ago
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What constitutes a bar?
Are we talking loud music, trivia machines and a dance floor? Or are we talking a ‘bar and grille’ type bar/restaurant combo? No, moms should not bring their kids out drinking. But if mom wants to go to her local grill and pub to get some fish and chips and a beer, she should very well be allowed. No one is saying that these moms are coming in and getting drunk- just have a drink. Would I ever bring my kid into a bar-bar? No. But heck, TGI Fridays could be constituted as a bar in someone’s eyes, depending on where the patrons were seated. If the establishment serves food and has booths or tables, I would say it’s alright to bring kids in for a MEAL while mom has A (1) drink. Also, certain times should also be avoided with kids. Perhaps allowing them before 7pm, when most of us that are ‘going out’ for the evening are out. There can be a compromise. However, mom- if you are going out to get drunk, or even so much as a BUZZ- get a babysitter and leave the kids at home. That’s just being responsible.
Leeann Mullen | 1 year, 11 months ago
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here's a question
if these are actually bars and is no one under 21 allowed then what happens when the police or whoever comes in to check id’s?..I mean this happens here sometimes and the ones w/o id’s or underage they either get arrested or detained….what is gonna happen when this happens w/these moms and babies?…get a sitter or wait until this kids are older that is what i have done and it works just fine….as for the bars stick to your guns i think i will save you some trouble down the road
terese t wolfe | 1 year, 11 months ago
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how irresponsible to take kids to a bar
Bars are for adults not children, teens, and babies. If the parents want to get a drink then they should find a responsible babysitter to leave the kids with while they are at the bar. Bars aren’t safe for children. You never know what kinds of people will be at the bar that could harm your children. Bars smell like ash trays and beer and children don’t need to inhale those things.
valentina | 1 year, 11 months ago
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I am torn.
I object to the limitations. Particularly from a vacationing perspective. I would like to stroll in with my toddler and have a great meal or drink as part of my travel experience. At home, I prefer to leave my little one with her father or a sitter as needed and spend some adult time with friends.
Truly, I do not want to listen to screaming and whining when I am enjoying a night out. I think that that rules applies to both children and adults. I’d rather the establishment ask people to leave whether they are 2 or 42 when they are disrupting the environment.
LC | 1 year, 11 months ago
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To me, this symbolizes the anti-child attitude of some Americans. I’ve noticed that while Americans are relatively child friendly, the most vociferously anti-child people are also American and view it all in terms of their rights not to be disturbed. Guess what? Children exist.
I’ve lived in Europe for 4 years; while I’d never take my child out drinking I’d happily take them with me while I had a glass of wine or a beer. It all depends on the place, and I think a blanket discussion of “bars” is silly.
One drink is not child abuse. A bar or cafe is not a strip club. As for driving, in my experience this seems to be a city thing. Women aren’t off driving to bars.
Alexis | 1 year, 11 months ago
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It all depends...
While I lived in Spain, I saw many children doing their homework in my favorite local bar while their parents socialized or watched a futbol game and had a drink or two. These parents were not getting smashed, they were socializing, it was what they did to connect with others in their community. As long as the parents are being responsible in their consumption, and their children aren’t disrupting the fellow patrons, I really don’t see anything wrong with this.
Allison | 1 year, 11 months ago
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when I was a kid.....
When I was a kid by dad used to take me in bars all the time. We’d hang out while we waited for my mom to get off the bus from work then we would have something to eat there. I’d sometimes sit in the booth and talk to the old Italian lady who prepped the shrimp while she told me stories and showed me how to devein. A lot of the people in my small town would be there eating. Like the post re: Spain…..they were socializing with the community. It wasn’t Club 54 for God sake! There is a difference here people….. I agree with most of the posts on both sides of the debate. People have to be parents and grow up but that doesn’t necessarily preclude going into establishments that might serve adult drinks with your kids. I learned about trajectory and some physics while playing at the pool table. I became friends with people of all ages. I was not afraid of appreciating that diversity brings richness into your life. As with anything….USE YOUR HEADS!!
Sally | 1 year, 11 months ago
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Illegal?
Ummm, isn’t it against the LAW to bring anyone under 21 into a bar???
Babi Bleckship | 1 year, 11 months ago
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This is a new level of stupid.
As if it wasn’t bad enough when people who frequented bars for the sole purpose of polluting themselves with one of the worlds most deadly poisons started complaining about tobacco smoke in bars…
We’ve reached a new level of stupid.
I could go on for hours about the responsibilities of parenthood, the right of bar owners to enforce (or ignore) rules as they see fit, and the many other obvious arguments that this brings to light; but I am speechless.
Before you know it, they’ll be outlawing alcohol in bars, and we’ll be passing prohibitionist legislation at the national level. Do we never learn?
Is it wrong for bar patrons to be in a kid free environment? Absolutely not. Is it irresponsible for parents to bring their kids to the bar? Probably.
Erik | 1 year, 11 months ago
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