Okay, I'm a little embarrassed to be asking this seeing as how I live in the US, but there is nowhere for music around where I live so I'm sort of sheltered.
What are the policies on underage people in pubs for sessions? Is it one of those thing where you're not technically supposed to be there but if you're good enough they'll overlook you (because I'm A. certainly not and B. for the purpose of this discussion just watching.)
More specifically, what would happen if I were to go in at the normal time (ie 11ish) to Mona's (with a parent) to watch? My mom said I have to find out whether or not they'll let me in before she takes me to a pub in New York City at 11 at night. I wonder why....
I think it would depend on the locale. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we have a few teenage musicians who come to most of the sessions and sit in and play (with and without a parent in the building). Certainly you could not sit at the bar if you are under 21 (that I know is law) but I don't see why you could not sit at a table to watch a session. It may also depend on whether the establishment serves food. As a restaurant/pub they would have to let underage patrons in during the hours that food is served. The best idea would be to call Mona's and ask what their policy is. I do know a few sessions in and around Philadelphia that you would be very welcome to attend if you ever get down this way. Good luck!
Liquor laws vary greatly from state to state, and even county and city too, so my suggestion would be to talk to the management of the particular pub you'd like to get into and see what their policies are.
this is a good question and I dont think it matters where you are in the world, its a good idea to know a. what the bar policy is on underage sessioners and b. underage sessioners in a drinking establishment.
Here every bar is required by law to provide food, under the same laws (go figure) if a bar supplies food then it is allowed to admit minors if they are a restaurant bar and at their discretion if it is a bar only. My kids do go to the sessions, the bar staff know how old they are, they know who they belong to and the doormen checking ID are also aware. Obviously the kids know they are not allowed to get their own drinks, but I can legally supply them if I wish to do so (best blackmail ever - if you dont behave I dont buy you beer). BTW my kids are teens 16 and 17 and suprisingly responsible drinkers, they are not 12 years old. The legal drinking age here is 18 as well.
I have the opposite problem. I look 27er than I do 17, so I walk into bars and have beer thrust into my hands. Always a bit awkward to tell them no. Point is, I never had a problem sitting to listen as a kid - even playing was easy and nonchalant.
I don't know the law, but most of the pubs in Rhode Island also serve a full menu of food, so youngsters are welcome as long as they don't drink. I know there is stricter enforcement at the big nightclubs, but the pubs are pretty small and relaxed.
Certainly, we have never had a youngster turned away from our session (although the publican did object when one person visiting the session started bringing her daughter and infant granddaughter to the session--more because of taking up space "that could be occupied by a payin' customer" than because of liquor laws).
You should get a job at the pub washing dishes or barbacking..........So.... when the session comes around technically you work there... Problem solved!... Now get to work boy -o..
Joze! Where do you live? Here in Wyoming, we can't take our kids anywhere NEAR the bar. At best, there is usually a back room to take your kids in to eat and then you have get get em the hell out as soon as your done.
possum - Mona's number is listed in the sessions section, or elsewhere online. It's worth a call, but it sounds like a real neighborhood dive bar (when there's no session happening), not a food-serviing place, so I doubt minors are allowed. There may be other pub sessions in NYC that you could get in. A little websearching will turn up an umbrella website that lists several session venues in NYC (sorry, I don't hav the link handy).
I used to be able to bring my son to eat while I played at a nice Irish Pub in San Francisco; it was the only session option for minors here (and it was a gay bar too!). Sadly, when ownership changed, they discontiinued the session (it was a great one too). And, they made a really good BLT with Irish bacon.
When I was in Mona's in 2005 there were some teenagers playing who were under 18 aroudn 15-16 I think- the kids of some of the cherish the ladies I think.
I've been attending a session in Raleigh, NC. It's held in an Irish-themed bar that also serves food. Several kids attend regularly with adult supervision, and no one bats an eye. I haven't seen a teenaged player show up alone, but I doubt that anyone would have a problem unless he/she tried to get served. I'm sure it works the same way most other places.
I have been told the rule is that underage people are welcome but are not permitted to sit at the bar, even if not drinking. That would be for NY NJ area anyway. And not allowed to drink of course.
US Pub Rules?
US Pub Rules?
Okay, I'm a little embarrassed to be asking this seeing as how I live in the US, but there is nowhere for music around where I live so I'm sort of sheltered.
What are the policies on underage people in pubs for sessions? Is it one of those thing where you're not technically supposed to be there but if you're good enough they'll overlook you (because I'm A. certainly not and B. for the purpose of this discussion just watching.)
More specifically, what would happen if I were to go in at the normal time (ie 11ish) to Mona's (with a parent) to watch? My mom said I have to find out whether or not they'll let me in before she takes me to a pub in New York City at 11 at night. I wonder why....
# Posted on March 21st 2007 by possumawesome
Re: US Pub Rules?
I think it would depend on the locale. In New Jersey and Pennsylvania, we have a few teenage musicians who come to most of the sessions and sit in and play (with and without a parent in the building). Certainly you could not sit at the bar if you are under 21 (that I know is law) but I don't see why you could not sit at a table to watch a session. It may also depend on whether the establishment serves food. As a restaurant/pub they would have to let underage patrons in during the hours that food is served. The best idea would be to call Mona's and ask what their policy is. I do know a few sessions in and around Philadelphia that you would be very welcome to attend if you ever get down this way. Good luck!
# Posted on March 21st 2007 by moria enya
Re: US Pub Rules?
Liquor laws vary greatly from state to state, and even county and city too, so my suggestion would be to talk to the management of the particular pub you'd like to get into and see what their policies are.
Pete
# Posted on March 21st 2007 by Reverend
Re: US Pub Rules?
this is a good question and I dont think it matters where you are in the world, its a good idea to know a. what the bar policy is on underage sessioners and b. underage sessioners in a drinking establishment.
Here every bar is required by law to provide food, under the same laws (go figure) if a bar supplies food then it is allowed to admit minors if they are a restaurant bar and at their discretion if it is a bar only. My kids do go to the sessions, the bar staff know how old they are, they know who they belong to and the doormen checking ID are also aware. Obviously the kids know they are not allowed to get their own drinks, but I can legally supply them if I wish to do so (best blackmail ever - if you dont behave I dont buy you beer). BTW my kids are teens 16 and 17 and suprisingly responsible drinkers, they are not 12 years old. The legal drinking age here is 18 as well.
# Posted on March 21st 2007 by Joze
Re: US Pub Rules?
I have the opposite problem. I look 27er than I do 17, so I walk into bars and have beer thrust into my hands. Always a bit awkward to tell them no. Point is, I never had a problem sitting to listen as a kid - even playing was easy and nonchalant.
--DtM
# Posted on March 22nd 2007 by Dan the Man
Re: US Pub Rules?
I don't know the law, but most of the pubs in Rhode Island also serve a full menu of food, so youngsters are welcome as long as they don't drink. I know there is stricter enforcement at the big nightclubs, but the pubs are pretty small and relaxed.
Certainly, we have never had a youngster turned away from our session (although the publican did object when one person visiting the session started bringing her daughter and infant granddaughter to the session--more because of taking up space "that could be occupied by a payin' customer" than because of liquor laws).
# Posted on March 22nd 2007 by AlBrown
Re: US Pub Rules?
You should get a job at the pub washing dishes or barbacking..........So.... when the session comes around technically you work there... Problem solved!... Now get to work boy -o..
# Posted on March 22nd 2007 by lamh trom
Re: US Pub Rules?
Joze! Where do you live? Here in Wyoming, we can't take our kids anywhere NEAR the bar. At best, there is usually a back room to take your kids in to eat and then you have get get em the hell out as soon as your done.
# Posted on March 23rd 2007 by MartySmith
Re: US Pub Rules?
possum - Mona's number is listed in the sessions section, or elsewhere online. It's worth a call, but it sounds like a real neighborhood dive bar (when there's no session happening), not a food-serviing place, so I doubt minors are allowed. There may be other pub sessions in NYC that you could get in. A little websearching will turn up an umbrella website that lists several session venues in NYC (sorry, I don't hav the link handy).
I used to be able to bring my son to eat while I played at a nice Irish Pub in San Francisco; it was the only session option for minors here (and it was a gay bar too!). Sadly, when ownership changed, they discontiinued the session (it was a great one too). And, they made a really good BLT with Irish bacon.
Anyway...good luck with your search.
# Posted on March 23rd 2007 by Keith Dubinsky
Re: US Pub Rules?
When I was in Mona's in 2005 there were some teenagers playing who were under 18 aroudn 15-16 I think- the kids of some of the cherish the ladies I think.
# Posted on March 23rd 2007 by shoddy fiddle player
Re: US Pub Rules?
I've been attending a session in Raleigh, NC. It's held in an Irish-themed bar that also serves food. Several kids attend regularly with adult supervision, and no one bats an eye. I haven't seen a teenaged player show up alone, but I doubt that anyone would have a problem unless he/she tried to get served. I'm sure it works the same way most other places.
# Posted on March 23rd 2007 by crookedtune
Re: US Pub Rules?
I have been told the rule is that underage people are welcome but are not permitted to sit at the bar, even if not drinking. That would be for NY NJ area anyway. And not allowed to drink of course.
# Posted on March 25th 2007 by irisnevins