Should children be allowed in a brewery? This Boston location says not at night

BOSTON – Thanks to their casual atmosphere and affordable food, breweries have become a popular spot for families. But a debate arises over whether children should be allowed to hang out indoors, and a brewery in Boston imposes a curfew.

No children after 6pm

On Friday, Notch Brewing, which has locations in Salem and Brighton, announced a change to their “child policy.” They will now extend their ’21+ after 6pm’ rule to seven days a week and not just weekends. Their online statement read in part: “We will now be asking parents to have their children out of the house by 6 p.m. We look forward to everyone’s understanding and cooperation.”

Despite disabling the comments, that was enough to set the internet abuzz.

“I want to take my kids everywhere,” said a customer at another Boston brewery.

“My time here is to be with other adults and relax,” said another.

Other places like Castle Island Brewing in South Boston have similar policies. According to their website, they require 21+ at the door starting at 8 p.m.

No minimum age at other breweries

Dorchester Brewing Company used to have an age policy, but they heard from so many customers that they changed it. Now they don’t require a minimum age in an effort to promote an inclusive environment.

“It just didn’t feel great to have to kick someone out who was enjoying themselves and having a beer and just because their kid was with them. So we kind of looked back and looked at things and we thought, why are we even do this,” said Stephanie Berman, general manager of Dorchester Brewing Company.

Berman said the debate over age restrictions is something most brewery owners struggle with. “I know there are some breweries I’ve been to, and I think, wow, it’s like Chuck E. Cheese. It’s a lot. I think it really comes down to parents being aware of what their kids do in the environment, everyone can live together in the same space.”