Do kids belong at breweries? Yea or nay?

One Rhode Island brewery recently (and unintentionally) sparked the debate with a "gentle reminder" to parents.

For some, there is nothing like sipping on an IPA with friends at one of New England’s seemingly million breweries on a perfect fall Saturday.

And for some, there is nothing to put a damper on that joyous experience quite like snot-nosed kids running amok or throwing tantrums in the taproom.

Yes, unlike bars, breweries have become a regular home for these little cherubs, or ragamuffins, ever since the beer boom, like it or not.

A brewery in Rhode Island, Proclamation Ale Company, recently had to gently remind patrons to keep an eye on their spawn — apparently after, well, some kid-like behavior.

“This is your gentle reminder that when you bring yours to the taproom, our staff and our games are not meant to be their babysitters,” the Warwick brewery wrote on Facebook. “We ask that you supervise and be near your kids at all times and do not allow them to run around the taproom or yell loudly. Our staff shouldn’t need to search the entire taproom to figure out where someone’s parent is.

“Our arcade/pinball games and shuffleboard table are to be treated kindly and with respect. While it can be tempting, we ask that you or your kids don’t slam arcade and pinball buttons or aggressively hurl shuffleboard pucks across the table. These games are meant for all patrons, NOT just your children. Please be sure they share and allow others to get a turn (without bothering them.)”

To be clear, the brewery, which doesn’t allow children from 7-10 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays, wasn’t trying to start a discussion about banning kids. They, in fact, explicitly said the opposite. But, come on.

“I’ve never understood the need to hang out at a brewery with your kids…,” wrote one commenter, who appears to have kids, FWIW.

“If someone brought their kid to a bar, someone would call children services. Not sure how this is any different,” another chimed in.

The brewery also asked for the convo not to veer into a dog debate. It apparently banned pooches in 2018 but now allows them on its patio. But again, people couldn’t help themselves.

“I prefer the dogs,” one wrote to thumbs up and hearts galore.

“Dogs? Kids? Drinking problem? Bottom line is, if you’re in a public space, be cool and manage your sh*t. Pretty straightforward,” another said.

“Can we require they be kept on leash,” someone asked, referring to the children to clarify.

The — possibly generational — debate certainly isn’t isolated to Proclamation. As one commenter compared Bissell Brothers in Portland, Maine, to a “day care center,” with another noting it’s across from the Children’s Museum.

So what say you, do kids belong at breweries? What about dogs? Give us your take by filling out the form below or emailing us at [email protected].