Ohio Brewery’s Child Policy Sparks Debate

A recent post about Eastside Brewing Company in Ohio has stirred quite a conversation about kids in bars and breweries. The brewery, located in Reynoldsburg, announced it would prohibit children and unaccompanied minors after 7 p.m., a decision that attracted a lot of comments online.

On October 15, the brewery shared on Facebook that they had faced threats from some customers unhappy with the new policy. In their post, they stated, “Things are going very well for us, but there is one sore spot that seems to come back again and again: unsupervised children.”

They emphasized, “It’s not that we don’t like children,” adding that they create an atmosphere tailored to adults and serve alcohol.

The brewery noted that the shift in policy came after encounters with parents who allow their kids to roam while they enjoy their drinks. Problems like children playing nearby or getting into mischief had become typical, which—perhaps understandably—made it challenging for other patrons.

While they acknowledged wanting to be family-friendly, they clarified that their outdoor spaces weren’t intended as children’s play areas. “We have signs posted about our policies. Some breweries are made for kids. … Please understand, this is not who we are,” they said.

According to their Facebook post, the brewery is striving to maintain a welcoming environment for families but is also keen on providing a space for adults to relax with their beverages.

The response on social media was largely supportive, with many praising the brewery for its stance. Some commenters expressed excitement about visiting the establishment, saying things like, “Before coming to the brewery, take your kids to the park to get some energy out.”

One parent humorously noted that they visit breweries to escape their kids for a bit, calling it generous of the brewery to allow minors until 7 p.m. Conversely, there were also critical voices. A few commenters deemed it inconsiderate for the brewery to let children run around without proper supervision.

Despite the majority backing the new policy, a handful of critics voiced frustration. One even lamented how they wouldn’t return to the brewery after years of enjoying it. “What a ridiculous, critical post. I hope it’s still around in 2 years,” remarked another skeptic.

This debate highlights a broader conversation about the role of children in spaces typically reserved for adults. How much is too much when it comes to mixing families with nightlife? It remains to be seen how this discussion will continue to unfold.