In September 2018, Union Craft Brewing in Baltimore, Maryland issued a policy to ban children from its taproom after 6:00 p.m. The decision came as a way to control large groups of children running through the taproom and destroying property, as the owner of the brewing company stated. The new rule has sparked controversy and a great deal of discussion around the topic of allowing children in breweries, as well as responsible drinking.
Details Of Union Craft Brewing’s Decision
Cofounder of Union Craft Brewery, Jon Zerivitz, says at the establishment’s former location in Hampden, they did not encounter as many incidents involving children. This contributed to the brewery’s community-friendly atmosphere in Baltimore. However, a large number of unsupervised children running, taking over the taproom, and breaking games created a “dangerous atmosphere” and made founders take action.
After multiple incidents of children breaking vintage games in the new and improved taproom space, Union Craft posted signs with rules for using the games. Unfortunately, the signs did not make a difference, and employees kept having to have difficult conversations with children and parents. Finally, Zerivitz made the decision to close the taproom to children after 6:00 p.m., to conserve the atmosphere and integrity of the restaurant. The rule will be in place from Wednesday to Sunday every week.
In the social media post that announced the change, the brewery stated that the staff “are not babysitters,” and that the establishment’s “couches, tables, photo-trailer, and beer garden are not play structures.” The post immediately sparked an online debate between parents and nonparents alike. Some supported the change, while others denounced Union Craft Brewery and vowed never to return.