21 to shoot pool??

Question

My husband and I brought our two teenage boys (ages 15 and 17) to a sports bar and grill to watch a football game we didn't get on TV. We ordered food and were not drinking. The boys wanted to play a game of pool and they said you had to be 21 to play. Really?

Answer 1

There are some pool halls around me that have the same policy. They have televisions and eating areas in one area, and pool/ air hockey tables are in another, closer to the bar. Anyone under 21 must stay out of the game table/bar area. I think it's to make it easier on waitresses in regards to carding and keep the facility's butt covered legally, while still being able to offer somewhat of a family/ underage friendly atmosphere.

Answer 2

To the person saying the waitress was a b*tch, get a clue. First off, you really think the waitress makes policy, and second, who said anything about a waitress. I've seen things like this, and it's often just company policy that is there to prevent lawsuits. I'm from New Orleans where we have video poker machines in many - if not all - public dining establishments. The little alcoves where these machines are located are always littered with signs showing how minors are not allowed in them, even if they're just hanging out with someone else playing the machine.

I'm guessing - and this is common in other venues - that the pool area of the sports bar is considered a "bar". An area where people imbibe in alcohol, smoke, and play pool. Therefore, to prevent any confusion, or the need for someone walking around policing the area to make sure there aren't any 19-20-year-olds - or younger - sneaking sips from their older siblings or parents drinks. Or some kids being "exposed" to "deviant" social behavior, the establishment decided it would be much easier to make it company policy that you had to be 21 or older to "play" pool. It cuts out "fun" for many underage people, but it cuts down big time on hassle the company might face.

There's a chain of sports bars/restaurants called "Fox and Hound" - have you heard of it - that doesn't allow people under the age of 21 to be in there after a certain hour of the day. What's up with that?

Answer 3

YOU CAN SHOOT POOL AT ANY AGE!!!; YOU DON'T NEED TO BE 21 TO SHOOT POOL!!! However, it was probably a rule at the bar that you have to be 21 to shoot pool.. I first shot pool when I was like 7 years old, at a several bars, and there was no age limit. Some bars don't like kids on the table, because they are afraid that they are going to cause problems. There are some bars that have an age limit to shoot pool, but usually the age limit starts at age 12 and go up to 16, but I never heard of an age limit being 21. If I was your husband, I would talk to the manager, and tell him/her that my kids will treat the pool table well, and don't cause any problems. Also I would ask for my money back if they paid for the game. Some bars has such stupid rules when it comes to shooting pool.

Answer 4

It sounds like the rules for that bar or maybe that state. I had my daughter playing pool in PA when she was underage.

Answer 5

No, I don't think so! I have been to sports bars & grills, and I've seen "underage" patrons playing pool. I have never heard of such a thing

Answer 6

Never heard of that! Possibly local bar rules?

Answer 7

Your waitress was a beitch, I bring kids to Snookers all the time, as long as no one is on the table then the bar owner usually don't mind !

Answer 8

never heard of that. i guess it depends on your state law. i thought you could play at 18, but to drink you have to be 21.

Answer 9

It most likely has to do with either the local liquor laws and where the tables were located, or to do with the Bar's policy.

Answer 10

some pool bars in Michigan wont even let you in UNLESS you are 18 years old...