"limey" > wrote in message
...
>
> I don't know how it is now in English pubs. What I do remember was that
> small kids
> weren't allowed in (I don't know the age span).

It depends on the pub and where it is located. In Ireland, if the pub is
located where children live, there will be children present. In small
villages (especially in the Irish speaking areas) the local pub acts as a
kind of child daycare center. Everyone in the pub knows the children and the
children know them. People watch out for them.

In England, it is similar, to a lesser extent, in the countryside. In city
pubs children are not present usually, though I have seen it happen. But in
the country it is not unusual. Actually, I don't really like children so am
sensitive to their presence. Countryside pubs (especially in Ireland) are
very different than city pubs or American bars. There is little in the way
of roudiness, danger or drunks. Children seldom are present at night or in
the evening.

> I used to think it was very
> sad to see small kids outside the pub, idling around, while parents were
> inside enjoying their pint or having a sing-song. I hope that has
stopped.

That would be sad. I've never seen it, or perhaps, haven't noticed it. Even
my favorite BrewPub here in Sandy Eggo has children in it. Nasty noisy
things.

Charlie