Breweries have become overrun with babies. Sorry, internet, get used to it.

[Auggie]

Esther Mobley, San Francisco Chronicle | May 2, 2024

Of all the things that are riling people up this week, the presence of children at breweries has ignited a unique sort of dispute.

“STOP BRINGING YOUR KIDS TO BREWERIES IM TRYING TO RELAX,” wrote @tapptastical on X in a post that, as I’m writing, has been viewed 3.4 million times.

Predictably, the internet had some thoughts. “I’m going to bring my kids to breweries even harder now,” responded @Ephon. Another user, @RolyBenitez, pointed out the obvious: “Who relaxes at a brewery”? Many suggested that if @tapptastical wanted to avoid children they might consider going to … a bar.

But a sizable contingent of the thread agreed with the original poster’s sentiment: Breweries should be child-free zones. Some criticized parents for getting drunk around their kids; others proposed that brewery-goers hire a babysitter. “And if you purposely let your kids run wild and I just so happen to spill my beer on them, that is your fault,” wrote @Don_Yeager. (To which @clhubes replied, “If you think beer is the worst thing my child has been covered in, think again.”)

Full story (paywall): https://www.sfchronicle.com/food/wine/article/breweries-children-babies-internet-19429543.php

The article covers the natural and intentional evolution of tap rooms into "kid-friendly" places:

• Expansive, often outdoor spaces with plenty of room for running around.

• Open during the day, an ideal time for socializing if you have to be home for an early bedtime.

• Comfort food menus often, like fries and burgers (and no one cares if you get a little messy or a little loud, according the author).

Note: This story originates in the San Francisco Bay Area.

-------------------------

No mention of drinking and driving home ... with kids in the car. There is a designated driver, right?

[brooklynite]

1. If you're at a BREWPUB in San Francisco, you probably didn't drive.

[stopdiggin]

2. there are people that will think nothing of dragging their 2 and 3 year

olds to a very posh and select dining environment. To me, the choice of a brewery as the location for family entertainment (as opposed to a city park, ball park or skate park) seems a little - curious. But I'm so far beyond surprise at what some parents think is either acceptable or appropriate ... (on the part of both parents and progeny)

[maxsolomon]

3. It is possible to drink a beer and not be inebriated above the legal limit.

A 200 lb. adult male could drink two 12 oz. beers in an hour and still be well under .08% BAC.

https://alcohol.org/bac-calculator/

[shrike3]

4. I don't mind them bringing their kids but letting them run around can be dangerous.

They trip somebody, things are dropped on them. One would think they'd bring along coloring books or whatever to keep them occupied.

[getagrip_already]

5. So a brewpub is different than a 99 or olive garden, how?

Really, adults take their kids out for meals all the time. Many of those restaraunts serve liquor.

Not all parents drink, even at brewpubs, and those that do likely drink responsibly for the most part.

For those with a drinking problem, brewpubs have zero to do with it. Any restaraunt can overserve.

So let's drop the drinking crap. Brewpubs serve beer. Big frigging deal.

So do 90% of restaraunts. They make at least 50% of their profit from liquor sales in some places.

Don't want to be around kids, go to a seniors only community. You can relax completely, unless it's the villages in florida.

[hlthe2b]

6. Well, if they are going to allow kids, they ought to allow dogs. Many in CO--especially those with

outside seating--as well as bars, do now. Now that can be a very relaxing experience... And, maybe keep the kiddies occupied (if they are going to bring them anyway).

[Tree Lady]

9. The brew pub we go to we sit

outside with our dog, a golden while others sit with their kids. Everyone loves the place. Don't like it, go somewhere else!

[NanaCat]

16. Dogs aren't relaxing to many people

I'm Exhibit A, with the scars from what they can do to a body show for it.

[hlthe2b]

17. Those who do not wish to engage should be seated elsewhere in a similar outdoor (or indoor) setting

I'm sorry you had a prior bad experience with dogs. I don't know if that was as a child, but I've long felt sorry for those who had an unfortunate experience in childhood or later on or whose parents did not teach them to safely interact. I can understand why that bad and painful experience would not leave you.

That is why I take pains to stop on my many walks and let interested children (whose parents ask or are willing) to interact with my well-trained dogs--all of whom have had very child-friendly personalities. If children do not learn about dog body language early on and how to safely approach, then unfortunately many people never will and that does put them at a disadvantage when they encounter dogs throughout their life. Decades later, I can't tell you how many friends and neighbors who have thanked me for taking the time with their kids. I was glad to do it.

But, no, I agree, there should always be an area for those who wish NOT to interact. And I am sorry for your bad experience. My dogs have long been among the most important aspects of my life and have brought me infinite amusement, comfort, and joy--while likely being the principal reason I have stayed so active in my life. It pains me that so many don't get to share that experience.

[HeartachesNhangovers]

7. Everybody knows kids don't run around in brewpubs or restaurants. They stare at their devices.

[Auggie]

8. LOL

[Tree Lady]

10. Very true I see almost all parents

these days give the kids their phones. I have learned from watching my great grandson at 3 there is a fantastic kids program on youtube, even educational.

[Elessar Zappa]

11. Most people can have a couple of beers before they're legally inebriated.

It does differ based on weight and sex.

[lame54]

12. The kid is the designated driver...

That's why he's there to begin with

[Auggie]

15. +1: A "Terrible Two" behind the wheel? Talk about Road Rage.

[forthemiddle]

13. I am a professional brewery goer

My husband and I visit craft breweries for our entertainment. We have been to close to 2,000 breweries in the US, Canada, and Europe.
First, it’s very rare that people get drunk at breweries. I know that sounds dubious, but most people go because they enjoy the craft, and not to get drunk. Let’s face it, the beer at breweries is too expensive to get drunk.
Because our joy is experiencing as many unique breweries as possible, we generally have one beer, or maybe share a flight of samples.
When you are at a brewery that is kid friendly it is generally also a restaurant, but with a more relaxed vibe. A lot of the families we see are meeting other families, so the kids get to hang out while the parents enjoy each other’s company. Most kid friendly breweries also have large game selections.
As long as the parents don’t let the kids run around bothering other guests, let them have fun.
There is usually a bar rail, or separate section that’s adults only (especially in restaurants) so people that want to adult without kids can adult.

[Oneironaut]

14. If I had to choose between families and drunk dudebros, I would choose families.

The former doesn’t try to start fights / act like maniacs when drunk.