Well, my goal to write something here every day didn't work. With all honesty, that is a pretty lofty goal. But I am going to update this space with posts multiple times a week. It will mainly be posts written about what beers I've been drinking, places I've been going and just random thoughts about beer.
To recap, last weekend I visited Flounder and Lone Eagle breweries. It was good fun because I hadn't been out to a brewery in a good while. Our son is now old enough where we have an easier time packing him and all his things up and bringing him along. I went to Flounder by myself, but Kerry and our son came along to Lone Eagle where we had a great time.
Which brings me to my main topic tonight. Do you think it's ok for people to bring their kids (infants, toddlers, teens) to a brewery? With laws changing the way they are in NJ, there is no denying that breweries are becoming more and more like bars. Its true, not all are headed this way. But a lot of brewery owners are designing their taprooms in ways that promote patrons to stay longer and drink more. Brewers are doing this by making it more comfortable for their patrons by 1) adding more tables and seats, 2) having flat screen TVs, 3) being open for extended hours, and 4) allowing them to bring in outside food.
Now, I wouldn't think of bringing my son to most bars in NJ. It's just not an atmosphere I would want him to be in. But for some reason, I have no problem bringing him to a brewery's taproom. It is generally a more inviting environment than a bar, even though I do feel the stares and eye-rolls from some of the other (usually younger) patrons. However, the taproom workers have generally been more than accommodating.
What do you think? Are kids welcome at a brewery, or should their presence be discouraged? Or should it be a case by case basis?
To recap, last weekend I visited Flounder and Lone Eagle breweries. It was good fun because I hadn't been out to a brewery in a good while. Our son is now old enough where we have an easier time packing him and all his things up and bringing him along. I went to Flounder by myself, but Kerry and our son came along to Lone Eagle where we had a great time.
Which brings me to my main topic tonight. Do you think it's ok for people to bring their kids (infants, toddlers, teens) to a brewery? With laws changing the way they are in NJ, there is no denying that breweries are becoming more and more like bars. Its true, not all are headed this way. But a lot of brewery owners are designing their taprooms in ways that promote patrons to stay longer and drink more. Brewers are doing this by making it more comfortable for their patrons by 1) adding more tables and seats, 2) having flat screen TVs, 3) being open for extended hours, and 4) allowing them to bring in outside food.
Now, I wouldn't think of bringing my son to most bars in NJ. It's just not an atmosphere I would want him to be in. But for some reason, I have no problem bringing him to a brewery's taproom. It is generally a more inviting environment than a bar, even though I do feel the stares and eye-rolls from some of the other (usually younger) patrons. However, the taproom workers have generally been more than accommodating.
What do you think? Are kids welcome at a brewery, or should their presence be discouraged? Or should it be a case by case basis?
I don't have any problem with kids at a brewery (or a bar for that matter). Use your judgement. We are not talking about a night club and most breweries don't keep very late hours, have loud music, etc. It should be a good, healthy environment - so why not?
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely, Tom. I couldn't agree more. I have no problem with bringing kids to breweries, and enjoy when breweries have more of a family atmosphere. Cheers!
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