Forest City Brewery, for example, recently banned guests under 16. They cite too many safety issues involving unsupervised toddlers and distracted parents.
They're not alone. Breweries across the country are shifting to adults-only policies… or at least adults-only hours.
I get it. Staff shouldn't have to dodge strollers or play babysitter. And if someone really pulled out a travel potty in the middle of a taproom (as one brewery reported)? Yikes! That's not just inappropriate; it's gross.
Nevertheless, I'm pro-kid in breweries. I always have been.
1️⃣ I've brought my own kids to breweries for years. We've celebrated birthdays, grabbed a casual dinner, and listened to live music—all while I enjoyed a pint. I also minded my kids, didn't allow them to run around (unattended or otherwise), and made sure they respected the space, the staff, and the experience of everyone else there. It's not about banning kids—it's about expecting parents to parent.
2️⃣ With the craft beer industry in a rough spot—slowing growth, shrinking demand, rising costs—we can't afford to alienate a massive customer base: parents. Especially when Gen Y (the backbone of the craft-beer boom) are now raising Gen Alpha and Gen Beta. Family-friendly policies reinforce the brewery's role as neighborhood gathering spot and create brand loyalty within customers. Plus, parents who feel welcome are more likely to stay longer and order food.
Yes, some families don't supervise their kids. That's frustrating. But banning all children because of a few inattentive parents is like retiring your flagship IPA just because one customer said it was too hoppy—reactionary and costly.
Smart breweries are finding creative ways to include families and preserve a good experience for all. That starts with a clear, thoughtful family-friendly policy—one that sets expectations without shutting people out. In today's market, great beer isn't enough. Atmosphere matters. Experience matters. Inclusivity matters. And the smartest breweries are the ones meeting their customers where they are—strollers and all.
They're not alone. Breweries across the country are shifting to adults-only policies… or at least adults-only hours.
I get it. Staff shouldn't have to dodge strollers or play babysitter. And if someone really pulled out a travel potty in the middle of a taproom (as one brewery reported)? Yikes! That's not just inappropriate; it's gross.
Nevertheless, I'm pro-kid in breweries. I always have been.
1️⃣ I've brought my own kids to breweries for years. We've celebrated birthdays, grabbed a casual dinner, and listened to live music—all while I enjoyed a pint. I also minded my kids, didn't allow them to run around (unattended or otherwise), and made sure they respected the space, the staff, and the experience of everyone else there. It's not about banning kids—it's about expecting parents to parent.
2️⃣ With the craft beer industry in a rough spot—slowing growth, shrinking demand, rising costs—we can't afford to alienate a massive customer base: parents. Especially when Gen Y (the backbone of the craft-beer boom) are now raising Gen Alpha and Gen Beta. Family-friendly policies reinforce the brewery's role as neighborhood gathering spot and create brand loyalty within customers. Plus, parents who feel welcome are more likely to stay longer and order food.
Yes, some families don't supervise their kids. That's frustrating. But banning all children because of a few inattentive parents is like retiring your flagship IPA just because one customer said it was too hoppy—reactionary and costly.
Smart breweries are finding creative ways to include families and preserve a good experience for all. That starts with a clear, thoughtful family-friendly policy—one that sets expectations without shutting people out. In today's market, great beer isn't enough. Atmosphere matters. Experience matters. Inclusivity matters. And the smartest breweries are the ones meeting their customers where they are—strollers and all.
