Why Bars Are No Place for Kids –By Matthew Ma

In the ever-evolving realm of social interactions, particularly about the intake of alcoholic beverages, the perception of bars as unsuitable environments for children has sparked considerable debate globally. This ongoing discussion encompasses several critical dimensions worthy of exploration. First, the inherent nature of bars as adult-oriented spaces is a primary concern. These venues are designed to cater primarily to adults seeking to unwind, socialize, and indulge in the consumption of alcoholic beverages. The atmosphere in bars, often characterized by dim lighting, loud music, and a relaxed demeanor, can be inherently unwelcoming to children. Not only may young ones feel out of place, but they may also be exposed to environments that do not align with their developmental needs. Furthermore, the potential exposure of minors to alcohol consumption presents significant risks. In bars, drinking is not just a pastime; it often intersects with various social behaviors, including indecent conduct and dancing. Such exposure can distort children’s understanding of societal norms surrounding drinking, potentially shaping their perceptions and future behaviors related to alcohol. The ramifications of early exposure to alcohol-centered environments can have lasting effects on young minds, making it a matter of grave concern for parents and society as a whole. Furthermore, the safety and well-being of children in venues where women dress provocatively and dance nude must not be overlooked.

In a world defined by social interactions and libations, two terms frequently ignite debates and discussions across the globe: “bar” and “pub.” These terms denote not only physical venues but also embody distinct cultural experiences, each enriched by its own traditions, social dynamics, and atmosphere. While they are often used interchangeably, a common question arises: What distinguishes a bar from a pub? To start, let us examine the term “bar.” Its origins can be traced back to the Old French word “barra,” which in medieval France referred to a gate or barrier. This term was likely utilized to describe the divide between those who served the drinks and those who enjoyed them. In contemporary settings, bars now feature sleek counters, or “barra,” where bartenders skillfully craft a wide array of delightful alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. Conversely, the term “pub” is a colloquial abbreviation of “public house,” deriving from the Anglo-Latin word “publicus,” which signifies accessibility for everyone. This reflects the true essence of a pub—a hospitable space where friends, family, and neighbors convene to share enjoyable moments. Imagine a cozy, relaxed atmosphere where the emphasis lies not only on the beverages being served, but also on the laughter and lasting memories being forged.

In contemporary society, the term “bar” often evokes images of a chic and sophisticated venue that attracts a diverse clientele seeking an enjoyable experience. These establishments feature an extensive selection of alcoholic beverages, including beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits, ensuring that there is something to suit every palate. Additionally, many bars present a variety of seating options, such as high-top tables, traditional dining tables, and bar stools near the stage, all of which foster a casual and inviting atmosphere. Beyond drinks, numerous bars also offer a food menu featuring dishes like amala, fufu, pounded yam, semo, eba, nkwobi, ishiewu, suya, pepper soup, and roasted fish, catering to those who wish to dine while they drink. This enhances the overall experience and encourages guests to linger a little longer. Entertainment and ambiance are essential in shaping the character of most bars. Typically, a bar features a prominent stage that hosts live music performances, trivia nights, and karaoke sessions, turning these spaces into lively venues where women dance in revealing attire, while men shower them with money as a gesture of appreciation. The design of a bar often highlights a relaxed and inviting atmosphere, enabling friends to reconnect, individuals to unwind after a hectic day, or new acquaintances to engage in conversation. Bars fulfill a variety of social functions, acting as lively centers within a community. They offer an inviting atmosphere for networking, celebrating special milestones, or simply enjoying a night out. This distinctive combination of casual interaction and entertainment enhances the reputation of bars as essential components of adult social life, nurturing meaningful connections and enriching personal experiences.

However, one fundamental principle remains clear: a bar should never be treated as a playground for children. Different cultures and countries approach the concept of bringing children into adults’ public spaces in diverse ways. In Japan, children are typically not taken to bars; however, family-friendly izakayas—casual dining establishments that serve alcohol—often welcome them until the evening hours. French cafés frequently offer both coffee and alcoholic beverages, making it common for children to accompany their parents during daytime or early evening visits. In Italy, the piazza, or public square, serves as a communal space where families gather, allowing adults to enjoy wine or beer while their children play nearby. In the majority of U.S. states, bars are strictly restricted to those aged 21 and older, prohibiting children from entering. In Australia, regulations vary by state; nonetheless, many pubs feature “family-friendly” dining areas where children may be present until a designated time. After that hour, minors are required to leave to ensure that late-night adult activities remain separate. Cultures often separate children from bars due to a combination of health, moral, and social considerations, typically supported by legal frameworks. The primary aim is to shield children from negative influences, discourage the early normalization of alcohol consumption, create age-appropriate environments, uphold moral and cultural values, enhance safety, and promote healthy childhood development. In nations such as the U.S., Australia, and certain parts of Europe, laws hold bar owners accountable for permitting underage individuals to enter drinking establishments.

In Nigeria, for example, there has been a noticeable trend where parents bring their children with them to pubs or bars. They often justify this decision by claiming that “it is just for a short time” or that “the children are not drinking.” While the intentions behind these choices may not seem harmful at first glance, the implications of such actions are quite concerning. Introducing children to an environment typically associated with adult leisure can send mixed messages about alcohol consumption and social behavior. Bars are places where adults gather to socialize and unwind, and the presence of children can disrupt the atmosphere and lead to uncomfortable situations. Moreover, the influence of such surroundings might normalize drinking in the eyes of impressionable young minds, potentially shaping their attitudes towards alcohol at an early age. Additionally, children in bars are exposed to various adult conversations and behavior that may not be suitable for their age. The noise, crowd, and sometimes rowdy behavior of patrons can create an environment that is not just inappropriate but also potentially unsafe for minors. Parents need to consider these factors and seek alternative spaces that promote a more family-friendly atmosphere. This ensures that children are shielded from adult-themed environments and helps to foster healthier attitudes towards socializing and responsible alcohol consumption in their future.

Bars are inherently designed as adult environments that cater to a specific atmosphere of maturity and relaxation. The ambiance is characterized by loud music that often drowns out the surrounding conversations, which tend to be unfiltered and unabashed. Alcohol, cigarettes or shisha flows freely in these settings, creating an environment where indulgence is not just accepted but expected. However, the implications of this environment extend beyond mere adult enjoyment; they pose potential risks for young observers. Children and adolescents may not only be at risk of overhearing inappropriate language or witnessing questionable behavior, but they also absorb a myriad of subtle messages about social norms and values. When they frequently see drinking portrayed as a fundamental and celebrated component of social interaction, it influences their perceptions about enjoyment and leisure. This constant exposure can shape their understanding of what constitutes having a good time or unwinding, leading to an impression that alcohol consumption is a necessary element for fun. Moreover, this early exposure to alcohol culture can plant seeds for future attitudes towards drinking, normalizing it in their minds at an unusually young age. This is a lesson we generally do not want to impart too soon, as it could steer them towards unhealthy perceptions of socializing and personal enjoyment, long before they are mature enough to understand the complexities involved fully.

When it comes to safety in bars, several factors come into play that make these environments less suitable for children. Bars tend to be crowded, often packed with people fighting themselves, which can create an overwhelming atmosphere. The presence of fighting and breaking glass bottles adds another layer of risk, as shards from broken bottles can pose a danger. Additionally, the floors in these establishments can become slippery, especially when spilled drinks or condensation from beverages are present. This increases the likelihood of slips and falls, which can lead to injuries. The patrons themselves, often under the influence of alcohol, may not always be aware of their surroundings, which can result in unintentional bumps or collisions. Moreover, the chaotic environment of a bar, paired with the potential for loud noises and close quarters, can be distracting. In such a setting, moments of inattention are ordinary, and accidents can happen in the blink of an eye. For these reasons, bars are not inherently conducive to the safety and well-being of children.

The adult-oriented environment, characterized by the presence of alcoholic beverages and various adult themes, poses significant risks for young children as it can inadvertently expose them to situations and behaviors that are profoundly unsuitable for their developmental stage. Childhood is often embraced as a time of innocence, curiosity, and positive learning, allowing for the formation of healthy values and social understandings. With this in mind, it becomes imperative that we consciously curate the environments our children are exposed to, ensuring they are nurturing and age-appropriate. Just as we would think twice about bringing a child to a casino, where the atmosphere is charged with gambling and potentially harmful behaviors, or to a boxing match, which showcases violence and aggression, we must extend the same level of caution to places like bars. These settings, often filled with loud music, adult conversations, and the consumption of alcohol, can overwhelm young minds and confuse their understanding of social norms and acceptable behavior. Protecting childhood means making thoughtful choices about the situations we allow our children to witness, guiding them toward experiences that foster growth, learning, and a sense of safety.

Bars are primarily designed for adult entertainment, serving as venues for socializing and nightlife enjoyment, rather than for fostering the development of the next generation. Behind the lively atmosphere, characterized by clinking glasses and booming music, exists an environment that is often saturated with excessive alcohol consumption, coarse language, and at times unruly behavior. Such settings are hardly suitable for young, impressionable minds. Allowing children to be exposed to these environments can inadvertently normalize behaviors and habits that they are too young to comprehend fully. This exposure not only risks instilling unhealthy perceptions about alcohol and social interactions but could also endanger their physical safety in situations where intoxicated individuals may act unpredictably. To effectively nurture responsible, healthy citizens, we must be deliberate about the type of environments we expose our children to. They should thrive in spaces that promote learning, creativity, and the cultivation of positive values. Ideally, childhood should be spent in welcoming places that encourage intellectual and emotional growth, not in smoky rooms filled with the remnants of careless nights, where beer-stained floors serve as a backdrop to a lifestyle that can have far-reaching consequences. In prioritizing safe and enriching environments, we can help shape a generation that embodies responsibility and resilience.

Childhood is a fleeting period in life, one that deserves to be cherished and filled with enriching experiences. Instead of leading our children toward the noisy environments of bars, we should prioritize nurturing spaces that foster curiosity, joy, and holistic growth. Envision libraries alive with the enchantment of stories that whisk children away to distant lands, where they can discover new ideas and broaden their imaginations. Picture playgrounds as vibrant spaces filled with the joyful sounds of laughter, where children engage in a variety of games, forging bonds and creating memories that will last a lifetime. Imagine art rooms as inviting havens, bursting with color, where young creators can express themselves and nurture their artistic talents. Visualize open fields as welcoming retreats, providing children with opportunities to run, daydream, and connect with the beauty of nature. When considering how to enrich childhood with meaningful experiences, we imagine a life filled with books that spark a love for reading, parks that promote active play and exploration, sports fields where teamwork and discipline thrive, and family dinners that create a warm environment for sharing stories and nurturing strong relationships.

Childhood represents a brief yet incredibly important chapter in our lives, one that deserves to be cherished and nurtured. It is far too precious to be squandered in dimly lit rooms that are dominated by the trappings of adult vices. Establishments like bars may offer adult entertainment and socialization, but they provide nothing that truly nourishes the developing minds and spirits of young children. Instead, these environments subject impressionable youth to a barrage of loud noises, disruptive behaviors, and social dynamics they are ill-equipped to understand or navigate. As stewards of the next generation, it is our responsibility to create and maintain spaces where their imaginations can thrive, fundamental values can be instilled, and their innate innocence can be preserved. Encouraging a child to dance on stage in an adult bar is not only reprehensible but also fundamentally absurd. Such actions undermine the innocence of childhood, blur the lines between age-appropriate behavior and adult entertainment, and risk normalizing environments that no child should encounter. Children deserve their own stages—ones filled with creativity, joy, and learning—not the dim light of a bar’s spotlight. Society must come together to oppose this exploitation, ensuring that children’s talents are nurtured in safe and wholesome spaces.

Conversely, bars symbolize a realm of premature exposure to adult lifestyles, defined by smoky atmospheres, clinking beer taps, and raucous cheers. These environments threaten to overshadow the innocent joys of childhood with experiences that children are ill-equipped to navigate emotionally. As parents, we have the opportunity to create a treasure trove of memories and lessons that our children can carry into adulthood—memories that celebrate life’s wonders instead of hastening their entry into adult responsibilities. Let us enrich our surroundings with books, parks, sports fields, and family dinners, rather than smoky environments, beer taps, and loud revelry. Parents hold a unique responsibility to select activities that nurture their children’s growth and development, steering clear of early exposure to spaces that emphasize drinking and boisterous socializing. We must recognize that bars should never be part of the nurturing experiences we provide our youth. Instead, let us focus on cultivating spaces and practices that promote health, creativity, and meaningful interactions.

We strongly urge our legislators to take immediate action by enacting laws that prohibit parents from bringing their children into bars. This measure is crucial for safeguarding our young ones from potential harm and ensuring they spend their formative years in safe and nurturing environments. Children must have the opportunity to grow and learn in places that promote their well-being, education, and happiness, free from the influences and risks associated with alcohol consumption and adult activities. By implementing these laws, we can protect our children and support families in fostering healthier and more positive experiences during their early development. Let us cultivate childhood experiences in the warmth of sunlight and the richness of knowledge, allowing young individuals to engage with the world in ways that encourage growth and positivity. Rather than letting their formative years be overshadowed by the dark corners of a bar counter, we should guide them towards healthy, uplifting, and enriching environments that lay the foundation for a bright future.

Rev. Ma, S. J., is a Jesuit Catholic priest of the North West Africa Province of the Society of Jesus. He currently writes from Abuja, Nigeria.