Change in Law Allows Minors in Restaurant Bar Areas With Some Restrictions

The new law goes in effect July 1.

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INDIANAPOLIS – A longstanding Indiana law will soon be changing to expand family dining space in Hoosier restaurants.

According to the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission, a new law effective July 1 will allow minors in restaurant bar areas while still carrying some restrictions.

The new law will allow families to dine with their minor children under age 18 in a bar area – but for the sole purpose of consuming food.

Under the law, minor children may not be seated at the bar top, and the establishment must have a retail alcohol permit to allow family dining in a bar area.

Bars and taverns that allow smoking may not allow any minors on the premises at any time.

“The law is still restrictive in that the minor child must be in the company of a parent, guardian or family member who is 21 years of age or older, seated at a table or booth, and the minor is there for dining only,” said Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commissioner Jessica Allen.

The previous law prohibited minors under 18 years of age from dining in the bar area of a restaurant.