only up till 9 p.m. they have to be out by then.

If there is pub food being served, the 16 year old can stay until later (its always handy to have a toasted sandwich and a plate of chips!!)

To be honest, it all depends on how the owner will police it. If the 16 year old is with parents, there is unlikely to be a problem.

But make sure no alcohol is consumed :o)

children under 18 are not allowed in a "LICENSED PREMISES" after 9 p.m. - A licensed premises is one where they sell alochol.

I suggest if you want a plate of chips in a pub you have them before 9 p.m. - otherwise you are breaking the law.

The law only applies, as beanallain says, if you are not having a meal. Generally it is not enforced however the publican is entitled to ask you to leave, my recommendation is to ask the staff what is the policy, as each premises will look on it differently. This will put your mind at ease and you will enjoy the experience all the more if you are not constantly looking over your shoulder. To correct the last poster again, the ban is only for the "bar" of a "licensed premises". This is an important distinction as for example an Hotel or a restaurant is a licensed premises but obviously children are allowed into Hotels and restaurants after 9 pm. So you can have your children in the lounge or other room of an Hotel even if there is a bar in it e.g. a function room. The definition of a "bar" for this purpose is a place that is exclusively or mainly for the purpose of selling alcoholic drink.

The rule of thumb is there is nothing to worry about if your children are behaving and undercontrol and obviously not drinking alcohol.

"warning, I am not a lawyer and accept no responsibility for any loss incurred due to the above". However I have young children and regularly use pub for dining and bring them to see traditional sessions in Dingle etc and have never had a problem.

killarneyman/Bean - there's a "private function" provision - I'm not too sure on the criteria for a private function in a pub, but it does make the distinction quite grey:

Section 4, as below

"(4) It shall not be unlawful for such a holder to allow a child who is accompanied by his or her parent or guardian or a person who is aged at least 15 years but under the age of 18 years to be in the bar on the occasion of a private function at which a substantial meal is served to persons attending the function."

I can't imagine a swat team waiting outside for booking details/proof of the private function - particularly if both children appear to be over the age of 18, but who knows?

:)

I think common sense is the best course of action.

"children under 18 are not allowed in a "LICENSED PREMISES" after 9 p.m. - A licensed premises is one where they sell alochol.

I suggest if you want a plate of chips in a pub you have them before 9 p.m. - otherwise you are breaking the law. "

Wow!! I've had chips in a pub many a time after 9.00pm and didn't realise I was breaking the law.

Please, Whales, brighten my day.

When was the Chips in Pubs Act enacted? Is there a Cheese and Onion Toasties act as well, or is this part of tomorrows budget?

Regarding the 16 age group. They are a nebulous entity. Neither child nor adult. Do not fit legally into either band neatly.

dont be facetious - you know what I meant.

Children aged 16 are only allowed to stay if it is a PRIVATE FUNCTION - ie. a wedding or some other PRIVATE event.

they are not allowed to go into any bar/lounge and just sit there after 9 p.m.

And if they are eating a meal with their parents, Whales, they are allowed stay until they are finished, provided they are not drinking alcohol, causing a disturbance or being neglected.

i dont understand that posts on here - the law clearly states that under 18 cannot be in a bar after 9 p.m. in the winter and 10 pm in the summer - yet people come on here and basically say to do your own thing, and never mind that actual law and there will be no SWAT teams outside waiting for you. Thats all fine until something happens to some kid after 9 p.m. in a premises and the bar owners gets the blame. Its kind of like saying oh you can drink and drive to you hearts content - its the law that you CANNOT do this, but sure, there wont' be swat teams outside, and if you sit down and be quiet while you are doing it, you should be okay.

The law is there for a reason - it can't be bent just because someone wants to experience an atmosphere. Plenty of time for that when they are over 18.

sorry beanalainn is that for a PRIVATE function in a private room, or for any old bar/lounge at all?