Brooklyn brewhaha: Babies in bars

[katty]

more: http://www.cnn.com/2010/LIVING/03/02/brooklyn.babies.in.bars/index.html?hpt=C1

(CNN) -- From time to time, Sasha Raven Gross can be seen teetering around a neighborhood drinking hole. She flirts with strangers, talks gibberish and sometimes spins in circles for no apparent reason until she falls down. In one hand is her liquid of choice -- watered-down orange juice in a sippy cup.

The 14-month-old toddler is the sort of barfly who's at the center of a recurring and heated debate: Should parents be allowed to bring their babies and children to bars?

It is a question in Brooklyn, New York, that's fired up online arguments, prompted unofficial protests and made outsiders giggle. And while the issue may not be exclusive to that area, it's the stuff disputes are made of in what Sasha's dad, Matt Gross, calls the kid-heavy "greater stroller zone" of Park Slope and its surrounding neighborhoods.

[cali]

1. I did it from time to time

[mattvermont]

2. Yes they should be allowed

I have spent some time in Park Slope bars, albeit 15 years ago. I do not think the atmosphere is toxic or violent
like some bars can be. If it is an issue of some patrons not wanting to be around kids, then bar owners could capitalize on that.
However, some bars would do quite well allowing yuppy parents and their fashion stollers access.

[mike_c]

3. my daughter was a darts champ in a local watering hole at 8 or 9....

She could make grown men weep while dad had a few pints with his friends, back in the day.

And if you think a pet is great for inspiring conversations with women, just try it with a baby. Just about every female who ever saw the kid on that leash came over to talk to me right away! Several couldn't keep their hands off me from the very instant they got within range!

[wolfgangmo]

10. That's because you hit the trifecta.

First, you were fertile, Mertle.

Second, you were willing to share the work, you jerk.

Third, you liked kids, Midge.



Dude - you were like crack to fertile aged women.

[mike_c]

13. the irony is that the daughter was barely dry from birth...

...when I got my vasectomy.

Plus I was only kidding about walking the baby on a leash. I didn't start doing that until after she was paper-trained.

[Romulox]

4. No. Adults should be able to get away from children in some places. nt

[Solly Mack]

5. I used to hang out in one when I was little. (restaurant/bar)

Family thing.

[Mz Pip]

6. If you can bring a

gun into a bar, why not a baby? Maybe a baby with a gun? :shrug:

[onehandle]

8. It's in the Constitution.

It's the only consumer item guaranteed for all. No age restrictions.

Hand that baby a gun, or the NRA will sue.

[onehandle]

7. Since their bars are non-smoking now, I don't see a problem. nt

[dustbunnie]

9. Been going on in European pubs since the first straw hutted spirits establishment opened its doors.

[Missy Vixen]

11. Just point me towards the kid-free bar

I'll be going there.

We joined the booster club for the local pro football team last fall. There is a guy who insists on bringing his pre-teen daughters to every meeting and social event, which are typically held in adult establishments -- or, they were. The young ladies in question are not football fans. He thinks he can force their presence on other adults who might want to have a drink or two, have a conversation with other adults, and not worry about what's being discussed due to the presence of this guy's kids.

I really love kids, but frankly, it would be nice to have even an hour in which other adults could enjoy themselves.

IMHO.

[MissMarple]

12. "Look at you! You have a baby...in a bar."

Melanie Smooter Carmichael (Reese Witherspoon) "Sweet Home Alabama".

It happens. Some bars are more appropriate than others, and of course, some parents are more responsible than others. Sometimes it's all in how you do something, not that you are doing it.

[Name removed]

14. Deleted message

Message removed by moderator. Click here to review the message board rules.

[NNN0LHI]

15. As long as the mamas are breastfeeding I am all for it