Can a child sit at a restaurant bar in California?

Asked by: Danyka Erdman  |  Last update: May 11, 2025
Score: 4.1/5 (62 votes)

The law is the same throughout the state. Minors can be present in restaurants where both food and alcohol are served (license type 47) but not permitted to sit at a proper bar or night club (license type 48). Even in restaurants minors are usually not permitted to sit at a 'bar'.

Can children sit at the bar in CA?

Generally, no. Section 25665 of the California Business and Professions Code states that “minors are not allowed to enter or remain within a bar.”

Can minors sit at a restaurant bar in California?

Minors Sitting at the Bar

In general, California law does not explicitly prohibit minors from sitting at a bar in a restaurant. However, the establishment must be classified as a “bona fide public eating place,” meaning it must primarily function as a restaurant where meals are regularly served and consumed.

Can you bring your kids to the bar?

In the United States, can an underage person sit at a table with adults at a restaurant or bar? Children and minors are allowed into restaurants that serve liquor, and if there's a wait can usually stand in the bar area with an adult. However, stand-alone bars do not allow anyone under 21 in the building at all.

How old do you have to be to sit at a bar in the US?

A bar is defined “as an establishment that derives 75% or more of its revenue from alcohol sales.” Bars only admit patrons that are 21 and older.

Places That Should Be Free of Kids: Restaurants? Weddings? First Class? A Bar?

17 related questions found

Can you just sit at the bar?

Usually you can just seat yourself unless there is a sign saying to wait to be seated. At some busy bars you may have to stand by the bar to order a drink and then you can stand with it, lean against a wall or partition, etc.

Can minors sit at a bar in NYC?

MINORS ALLOWED ON PREMISE? It is unlawful to serve or sell alcohol to anyone under the age of 21. Minors under the age of 16 are not permitted in establishments that serve alcohol unless accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Can minors sit at a bar in Florida?

In establishments where sales from food account for more than 50% of total sales, minors are allowed in the establishment. There is no law prohibiting minors to sit at a bar as long as they are not consuming alcohol.

Can minors sit at a bar in Arizona?

People under 21 can be in a bar if they are accompanied by a parent, spouse, or legal guardian who is 21 or older, but they aren't allowed to purchase or consume alcohol.

Can a minor sit at the bar in PA?

(1) Minors are not permitted to sit at the bar counter of the premises. (2) Alcoholic beverages are not served to any adult at the table or booth where the minor is seated, unless the minor is also there with a parent, legal guardian or proper supervisor.

Can kids go to bars in California?

Section 25665 of the California Alcoholic Beverage Control statute states that minors are not allowed to enter or remain within a bar. Persons under 21 years of age may not enter and remain in any premises with a green-colored ABC license except on lawful business.

Can anyone sit for the California bar?

Eligibility. To be eligible to take the California Bar Examination, you should have completed at least two years of college before beginning your law studies or passed certain specified College Level Equivalency Program examinations.

How old do you have to be to sit at a bar in Ohio?

(I) No person who is the owner or occupant of any public or private place shall knowingly allow any person under the age of twenty-one to remain in or on the place while possessing or consuming intoxicating liquor, or knowingly allow any person under the age of nineteen to remain in or on the place while possessing or ...

Can minors drink with parents in California?

In California, it is illegal for anyone under the age of 21 to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol. This includes beer, wine, and spirits. There are a few exceptions to this rule. For example, minors may be allowed to drink alcohol if they are with their parents or legal guardians.

Can kids sit at the bar in Texas?

It is not illegal for an 18 year old to sit at a bar in Texas if the bar allows it. However, alcohol sales are illegal and Texas bars may freely prohibit minors as company policy.

Do you have to take the baby bar in California?

Do you have to take the Baby Bar exam? You must take the baby bar exam if you: Are completing their first year of law school towards a Juris Doctorate (JD) at an unaccredited law school. Are completing their first year of study under a lawyer or judge through the Law Office Study Program.

Can a minor sit at a bar in a restaurant in Texas?

A minor in TX can legally drink at a bar with their parent/guardian!

Can a minor drink with parents in Arizona?

When it comes to serving alcohol to people under the age of 21, Arizona provides exception for parents who choose to allow their children to drink, for instance, a glass of wine with dinner in their own home.

Can a child sit at the bar in New Jersey?

It is legal in New Jersey to drink alcohol in the presence of minors. Can a minor sit at a bar in NJ? It is technically legal in New Jersey for a minor to enter a bar or any other place that sells alcohol.

Can kids sit at the bar in Virginia?

Are people under 21 years of age allowed to sit at the bar? There is no Virginia ABC law prohibiting a person less than 21 years of age from sitting at a counter/bar in an ABC-licensed restaurant. However, a licensee may establish its own in-house policy prohibiting it.

Can a minor sit at a bar in South Carolina?

It is not against the law in SC for a child to sit at the bar. We hang out at some great places where they go out of their way to welcome us and our daughter. We love our local bartenders and tip them well when they do.

Can minors sit at the bar in Massachusetts?

While it is legal for minors to enter a bar, they cannot sit at the bar if it serves alcohol. In most cases, minors can't even enter a bar if it's a non restaurant establishment.

How old do you have to be to sit at a bar in Michigan?

The Michigan Penal Code (Act 328 of 1931) addresses this issue in 750.141 where it states (A) minor child under 17 years of age shall not be permitted to remain in a dance hall, saloon, barroom or any place where spirituous or intoxicating liquor, wine or beer, or any beverage, liquor or liquors containing spirituous ...

Can minors drink in a restaurant with parents?

In 29 states, someone under 21 may drink with their parent's permission if it's in a private residence or on private property. Six states allow someone under 21 to drink on private property without their parent's consent. Eight states allow underage people to drink with a parent's consent in public restaurants or bars.