Can children be in an Irish pub, and until what time?
Yes, within set hours, and family lunches in pubs are an ordinary part of Irish life. In the Republic, a child under 15 may be in the bar with a parent or guardian until 9pm, extended to 10pm from May to September, and 15 to 17 year olds may be there until 9pm without an adult. The main exception is a private function where a substantial meal is served. Two cautions: the rules cover the bar area, and the publican can set a stricter house policy, so a small traditional pub may still say no children in the evening. Eat early, check the sign on the door, and you will be fine.
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Sources
- Citizens Information and the Courts Service of Ireland: alcohol licensing hours, alcohol and the law, and children in licensed premises, citizensinformation.ie and courts.ie
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