Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

I am taking my 18 yr old nephew out to dinner on Saturday. One of the places I was looking to make a reservation only has bar seating available. I don't mind sitting at the bar, but I'm pretty sure it has always been the rule that no one under 21 can sit at the bar. Is that correct? Anyone know if it would be allowed since we would be eating dinner?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

I think you are correct. But why don't you call the restaurant just to make sure?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Does he look 21 or is he a very young looking 18 year old? I wouldn’t call if you think they wouldn’t ask.

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Message edited 11/13/2020 11:22:10 AM.

Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Why don’t you just call the restaurant and ask?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Update us when you call.. I'm curious now.
But I do think the law has always been nobody under 21 seated at a bar, even if they are not being served alcohol

They can sit in the bar area- like at a high top table- I've been seated in restaurants with my DD in the bar area, but I think just not AT the actual bar.

Message edited 11/13/2020 9:33:56 PM.

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Does he look 21 or is he a very young looking 18 year old? I wouldn’t call if you think they wouldn’t ask.

I have no interest in trying to "cheat the system" or in not do the right thing. Thanks, but I think I'll take Nell's advice and call

Wasn’t saying to cheat the system or not do the right thing. As long as they are not drinking I don’t see the problem. They will tell you when you go there but calling ahead might ease your mind.

You absolutely suggested that I just not say anything (does he look 21?) and just try to get away with it. That is not a message I want to send to my nephew. And doesn't matter whether "you see a problem with it." I wasn't asking for an opinion. I have been in a bar/restaurant with teens before and while waiting for a table, the teen was not allowed to sit at the bar. Didn't matter that they were not drinking. I was asking if this is still the rule, because of seating/capacity rules now in place and because we would be eating at the bar

Then call. Not sure why everyone needs to go on social media to find out how to do simple things.

If it bothers you so much, don't reply. But to answer your question - when I was thinking about making the reservation - online - the restaurant was closed. So I thought maybe someone here might know. Why do you feel the need to always be so nasty and make everything so controversial ?

Always nasty?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by RainyDay

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Does he look 21 or is he a very young looking 18 year old? I wouldn’t call if you think they wouldn’t ask.

I have no interest in trying to "cheat the system" or in not do the right thing. Thanks, but I think I'll take Nell's advice and call

Wasn’t saying to cheat the system or not do the right thing. As long as they are not drinking I don’t see the problem. They will tell you when you go there but calling ahead might ease your mind.

You absolutely suggested that I just not say anything (does he look 21?) and just try to get away with it. That is not a message I want to send to my nephew. And doesn't matter whether "you see a problem with it." I wasn't asking for an opinion. I have been in a bar/restaurant with teens before and while waiting for a table, the teen was not allowed to sit at the bar. Didn't matter that they were not drinking. I was asking if this is still the rule, because of seating/capacity rules now in place and because we would be eating at the bar

Then call. Not sure why everyone needs to go on social media to find out how to do simple things.

If it bothers you so much, don't reply. But to answer your question - when I was thinking about making the reservation - online - the restaurant was closed. So I thought maybe someone here might know. Why do you feel the need to always be so nasty and make everything so controversial ?

Always nasty?

You are an asshole

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by RainyDay

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Does he look 21 or is he a very young looking 18 year old? I wouldn’t call if you think they wouldn’t ask.

I have no interest in trying to "cheat the system" or in not do the right thing. Thanks, but I think I'll take Nell's advice and call

Wasn’t saying to cheat the system or not do the right thing. As long as they are not drinking I don’t see the problem. They will tell you when you go there but calling ahead might ease your mind.

You absolutely suggested that I just not say anything (does he look 21?) and just try to get away with it. That is not a message I want to send to my nephew. And doesn't matter whether "you see a problem with it." I wasn't asking for an opinion. I have been in a bar/restaurant with teens before and while waiting for a table, the teen was not allowed to sit at the bar. Didn't matter that they were not drinking. I was asking if this is still the rule, because of seating/capacity rules now in place and because we would be eating at the bar

Then call. Not sure why everyone needs to go on social media to find out how to do simple things.

If it bothers you so much, don't reply. But to answer your question - when I was thinking about making the reservation - online - the restaurant was closed. So I thought maybe someone here might know. Why do you feel the need to always be so nasty and make everything so controversial ?

Always nasty?

You are an asshole

Why? Because I do my research before I ask other people? Either you call and ask or go there and find out.

How would any of us know especially when the exact place was not told what they do in that restaurant/bar?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by RainyDay

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Does he look 21 or is he a very young looking 18 year old? I wouldn’t call if you think they wouldn’t ask.

I have no interest in trying to "cheat the system" or in not do the right thing. Thanks, but I think I'll take Nell's advice and call

Wasn’t saying to cheat the system or not do the right thing. As long as they are not drinking I don’t see the problem. They will tell you when you go there but calling ahead might ease your mind.

You absolutely suggested that I just not say anything (does he look 21?) and just try to get away with it. That is not a message I want to send to my nephew. And doesn't matter whether "you see a problem with it." I wasn't asking for an opinion. I have been in a bar/restaurant with teens before and while waiting for a table, the teen was not allowed to sit at the bar. Didn't matter that they were not drinking. I was asking if this is still the rule, because of seating/capacity rules now in place and because we would be eating at the bar

Then call. Not sure why everyone needs to go on social media to find out how to do simple things.

If it bothers you so much, don't reply. But to answer your question - when I was thinking about making the reservation - online - the restaurant was closed. So I thought maybe someone here might know. Why do you feel the need to always be so nasty and make everything so controversial ?

Always nasty?

You are an asshole

Why? Because I do my research before I ask other people? Either you call and ask or go there and find out.

How would any of us know especially when the exact place was not told what they do in that restaurant/bar?

Didn’t realize you’re the post-police. Next time I have a question I’ll run it by you to make sure it’s acceptable to you

And it’s called asking a question.....to see if anyone knew. As I explained above, the restaurant wasn’t open when I asked. I thought maybe someone on here might have knowledge of the LAW in a given situation. It has nothing to do with any particular restaurant. It has to do with what the law says. And the last thing I want to do is to go to a restaurant on a Saturday night only to find out we can’t eat there and have to find someplace else. So, I hope you, in your almighty wisdom, find my explanation satisfactory, and will be ever so kind as to allow me to post more questions in the future, you all knowing and powerful post-police

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Soooo...was he allowed to sit at the bar?

Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

I don't know if you mean at the actual bar or the tables around the bar. But I have sat with my kids at the tables in the bar area with no problem.

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

I'm trying to find the actual law, but this is a post from Bill Crowley, a spokesman for the State Liquor Authority:

https://poststar.com/news/opinion/columns/answers-please/law-doesnt-ban-kids-in-the-bar/article_5a14a362-93a2-11e0-8b0a-001cc4c002e0.html

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by GoldenRod

I'm trying to find the actual law, but this is a post from Bill Crowley, a spokesman for the State Liquor Authority:

https://poststar.com/news/opinion/columns/answers-please/law-doesnt-ban-kids-in-the-bar/article_5a14a362-93a2-11e0-8b0a-001cc4c002e0.html

...
New York does not prohibit minors from going into places where alcohol is served, regardless of their age. The only rule regarding minors at bars is that children under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, he said.

There is no distinction in state law between types of bars, whether they serve food or not, or what time kids are allowed to be in them.
...
Still, just because state law does not prohibit kids from going into bars doesn't mean children can go into any tavern they want any time they want. Individual establishments are allowed to set their own rules prohibiting or restricting children's access, Crowley said.
...

So basically, NY State may allow it, but every establishment can have their own additional rules, so the only way to find out is to call.

Yep and she was going this weekend so she probably knows by now

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by GoldenRod

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by GoldenRod

I'm trying to find the actual law, but this is a post from Bill Crowley, a spokesman for the State Liquor Authority:

https://poststar.com/news/opinion/columns/answers-please/law-doesnt-ban-kids-in-the-bar/article_5a14a362-93a2-11e0-8b0a-001cc4c002e0.html

...
New York does not prohibit minors from going into places where alcohol is served, regardless of their age. The only rule regarding minors at bars is that children under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, he said.

There is no distinction in state law between types of bars, whether they serve food or not, or what time kids are allowed to be in them.
...
Still, just because state law does not prohibit kids from going into bars doesn't mean children can go into any tavern they want any time they want. Individual establishments are allowed to set their own rules prohibiting or restricting children's access, Crowley said.
...

So basically, NY State may allow it, but every establishment can have their own additional rules, so the only way to find out is to call.

Yep and she was going this weekend so she probably knows by now

But this helps every other person on this forum who may want to know the NY State law.

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by GoldenRod

Posted by valentinesbaby48

Posted by GoldenRod

I'm trying to find the actual law, but this is a post from Bill Crowley, a spokesman for the State Liquor Authority:

https://poststar.com/news/opinion/columns/answers-please/law-doesnt-ban-kids-in-the-bar/article_5a14a362-93a2-11e0-8b0a-001cc4c002e0.html

...
New York does not prohibit minors from going into places where alcohol is served, regardless of their age. The only rule regarding minors at bars is that children under age 16 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian, he said.

There is no distinction in state law between types of bars, whether they serve food or not, or what time kids are allowed to be in them.
...
Still, just because state law does not prohibit kids from going into bars doesn't mean children can go into any tavern they want any time they want. Individual establishments are allowed to set their own rules prohibiting or restricting children's access, Crowley said.
...

So basically, NY State may allow it, but every establishment can have their own additional rules, so the only way to find out is to call.

Yep and she was going this weekend so she probably knows by now

But this helps every other person on this forum who may want to know the NY State law.

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by valentinesbaby48


Thanks. Think the easiest way would be to call the specific place

Re: Bar seating at a restaurant - under 21?

Posted by chilltocam

Posted by valentinesbaby48


Thanks. Think the easiest way would be to call the specific place

One thing I can tell you for sure is that whatever YOU think, on this or any other topic, is of zero consequence in my life.

Message edited 11/17/2020 12:05:17 AM.