Minors gigging in a pub

nobodythere

I know it's illegal for minors to be in a pub after 8 o'clock but I'd like to know if there's any sort of exceptions for musicians who are under the age of 18 playing in pubs after this time. I'd also like to know what your views on it are, should the law make an exception for musicians playing provided they leave after and don't be hanging around the pub? I know that the law places a lot of responsibility for keeping minors out on the premise holder.... responsibility meaning a big fat ****ing fine.

Thanks.

robbie1876

There definitely should not be an exception for a musician playing in a pub. If the law was changed to accommodate them, it would be picked up and publicised by the media, and every scumbag 15 year old would take up the tambourine and play with his mate's band in the pub.

There are plenty of places a minor can play after 8pm without being in the vicinity of alcohol. Or simply put the band on before 8pm if there are kids in it.

Having said all that, I quite regularly see bands with under 18s in them performing in pubs, although they tend to be in original bands that you would see in the likes of Voodoo and Eamonn Dorans. In these cases, the publicans seem to be turning a blind eye, which is probably not wise.

Do you know of a band member that was asked to leave the pub because of being under 18?

Robbie

razorfeather

Originally posted by robbie1876
Do you know of a band member that was asked to leave the pub because of being under 18?

Robbie

yep my mates band got kicked out straight after they played because of it. highly unfair if you ask me.

COOKSTER

As the house engineer in Eamonn Dorans, I deal with this situation on a regular basis, I meet a lot of musicians (some more mature than others). The law as I understand it is that U18 can be on a licenced premises up to 8pm when accompanied by an Adult, after which they must leave. I understand that some pubs make their own rules and don't allow U18's after 6. In Dorans we do encourage young bands, however we can be seriously penalised by the Gardai if U18's are found to be on the premises. Therefore , everyone must have valid ID to prove their age.
As a sound engineer it is my job to facilitate bands putting on a show. Trevor, the promoter books and promotes the venue and shows we stage. The bar staff and management are responsible for who is allowed onto the premises and who is served(alcohol or otherwise). I run a Saturday afternoon, open-mic, show that is for anyone to come in, get up, and play. We have had Fairuza, Me in the Park, The Kerbs, ID Parade, Joshua Lane and other up and coming Irish acts trying out new songs and stage ideas, and a countless list of people of all ages.
I have had the unenvyable task of asking 4 bands to leave on the same day( all organised by an adult who didn't show up on the day) This person phoned Trevor and was told all participants would be over 18. It sickens my to know that 20 people and their friends were so dissappointed at having put the effort into travelling and bringing all their equipment, to be told they can't even be on the premises not to mention Play a few tunes and show their talent. If they were accompanied by a Parent or Responsible adult we might have been able to facilitate them.
My judgement on this is that 1 adult can't supervise more than 6 - 8 teenagers. I know I wouldn't fancy that job!
If you are under 18 and want to play a gig ask your parents or a guardian to check it out for you. If it's legitimate, they should have no problems about letting you go. If they accompany you, they may emabaress you, but you stand a better chance of getting a gig. If you want more info on the law check out OASIS.GOV.IE
This is my personal opinion and I do not speak for the management or proprietor of Eamonn Dorans. I can be contacted by e-mail COOKSTER_1@LYCOS.COM or through Eamonn Dorans 6799114
Sean