Eastside Brewing Company in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, has initiated a policy prohibiting individuals under the age of 18 from remaining on its premises after 7 p.m. The brewery announced this change on October 15, 2025, via a Facebook post, citing concerns related to safety and property damage.

Story Highlights

• Eastside Brewing Company in Reynoldsburg, Ohio, has implemented a policy restricting children from the premises after 7 p.m.
• The brewery stated the policy was enacted due to incidents involving unsupervised children and to foster an adult-oriented environment.
• The announcement, made on October 15, 2025, through a Facebook post, generated significant public discussion.
• The decision has resulted in varied reactions from the public, with both support for and criticism of the policy.

Eastside Brewing’s Policy Implementation

Eastside Brewing Company has drawn national attention following its decision to ban children from its establishment after 7 p.m. The policy, communicated through a Facebook post on October 15, 2025, included an explanation addressing issues attributed to unsupervised children, such as property damage and safety concerns. The post, which explicitly stated the venue is “not a playground,” quickly circulated online, eliciting a range of public responses.

The policy has contributed to a broader discussion regarding the presence of children in venues traditionally frequented by adults, such as breweries and taprooms. While some patrons have expressed support for the policy, citing a preference for a more tranquil environment, others have characterized it as exclusionary. This divergence of opinion highlights the ongoing negotiation between business operational choices and family-oriented expectations.

An Ohio brewery is standing firm after making the controversial decision to enforce an adults-only after 7 p.m. policy, which has drawn criticism from its community.

“The truth is, we never intended for our outdoor space to be a playground for kids.” pic.twitter.com/Q4LMIRG6b1

— Local 12/WKRC-TV (@Local12) October 21, 2025

Public and Industry Response

The brewery’s policy has stimulated considerable debate across social media platforms and within local communities. Numerous adults, particularly those without children, have indicated approval of the policy, anticipating a more serene evening experience. Conversely, some parents have articulated concerns that the policy is discriminatory and challenges family values. The discussion encompasses broader societal considerations concerning parenting norms and the scope of business autonomy in defining their clientele.

Despite the ongoing discussion, Eastside Brewing Company has not indicated any intention to alter its policy. The brewery reports continued business activity, with a segment of its customer base expressing appreciation for the clarity and enforcement of rules designed to cater to adult patrons. This situation reflects a potential trend within the industry, where similar establishments are considering age-specific policies to balance business requirements with customer preferences.

A Columbus-area brewery is standing by its policy not allowing children in its taproom after 7 p.m. https://t.co/WB1P3UWHpd pic.twitter.com/XW2BUV5LmX

— NBC4 Columbus (@nbc4i) October 20, 2025

Impact on Industry and Community

The policy enacted by Eastside Brewing Company may have implications for the hospitality sector. As other breweries and similar venues evaluate the adoption of comparable policies, the dialogue concerning the equilibrium between inclusivity and business autonomy is expected to continue. The brewery’s position may influence other businesses to implement similar measures, potentially leading to a redefinition of what constitutes a family-friendly environment in settings traditionally designed for adults.

Community reactions, though diverse, have not prompted the brewery to deviate from its established course. The ongoing debate serves as an illustration of the intricate relationship between business rights and societal expectations, a dynamic that is anticipated to evolve as more establishments address these considerations.

Watch the report: Breweries considering banning kids

Sources:

Brewery goes viral for defending policy banning kids after 7 p.m.: ‘Not a playground’
Local Brewery Stands Firm on No Kids Policy Despite Backlash, Sparking Debate