The debate: Is it OK to bring your baby to a bar?

I honestly think there are right bars to take your child and the wrong ones. If you are going to a place you are comfortable in and is you know is a positive environment then I don't see the harm.

But. There are some places that kids shouldn't be and if parents are taking their kids to get drunk then I think that's wrong.

There are right ways and wrong ways of doing everything and I think this comes down to personal choice.

It's difficult to comment as I can't tell what definition of "bar" is being used here. I don't think many would consider taking a baby or child to a nightclub atmosphere, but a patio or pub for dinner and a drink I think is completely acceptable. I think establishments that only allow those 19 years of age and older should adhere to that and definitely not allow babies or kids.
Having said that, I think it is much easier to have friends over for dinner and drinks. The kids get to enjoy the company for a while, then off to bed while the grownups enjoy grown up conversation and festivities. Babies and children can keep their schedule and routine while parents enjoy some adult fun.

I dont' find anything wrong with that. Parents deserve a break. Whether its a drink or dancing...as long as they drink responsibly...not a big deal...same as going to a friends home to socialize. There are different kind of bars...many are decent.

Being a Brit living in Canada, I am used to take my children to British pubs. It takes away the taboo of alcohol and also allow them to see the negatives of drinking too much . I have talked through with them, so that they realise that you do not have to drink excessively to have fun, and that if you drink too much you can look ridiculous, not cool and do silly things.

In Calgary there are only 4 bars that you can bring children into, and so few children get to see that it is not big and it is not clever to drink to excess. Of these 4 pubs 3 are run along British pub styles, good food,more relaxed drinking, as opposed to the drink hard, eat poor quality food just to line your stomach, and I agree that isn't the sort of environment to introduce children.

So I do think children and babies should be allowed into pubs, but it needs to be the right sort of pub.

Ok are we talking about going to the bar to get drunk with your child? Not, thats just stupid. And there are young moms who live in the building across from our house that have their screaming babies out at 11pm so they can go to the bar and have a few. Get a babysitter!
Now if we are talking about having lunch/dinner in a place that happens to have a bar or sitting on the patio having a beer, then Yes its fine.
They are two completely different situations.

As a parent, I have to say that I'm with Dave on this one. Okay to bring your quiet sleeping baby out to dinner, but not to a "bar", per se - it's self-centered and entitled behavior. Bars are for adults. They are full of germs! And by the way - please leave your giant, space-eating stroller at home, too. These occasional nightime forays into civilization, are what cheap, foldable umbrella strollers were made for.

My husband and I were just talking about this. When we went on a holiday a few years ago to Whistler, we got to have lunch on an outdoor patio of a bar/pub with our toddler son. It was awesome!!! The food is so good at these establishments and nice to have a cold beer on a patio. I think kids should be allowed up to a certain time such as 8pm. I know we would be able to go out alot more!!!

It is not even legal in BC to bring minors to bars. I agree with most of the comments that depends on the kid and at proper times. 9pm on a school night-not appropriate. It is tough to get sitters let alone pay for them. Moms need time outs too. We need tos top judging and start supporting parents like offer to trade babysitting time etc.

I don't judge what the other parents do, because we all try to do what seems the best for us, and it's different for everyone. As far as I'm concerned, I only went to baby or children-friendly places with my daughter, because it was what I liked doing: being around other mums. Now she's 3 and we go to restaurants with her (never late in the evening), children-friendly places where she can play with other children while we talk to our friends and enjoy a nice brunch. I wouldn't have been able to bring her to a place that is loud and crowded, because I always try to do what I think is best for her, without sacrificing my own needs. I don't think it would have been a good environment for her. But again, we are all different, and the important thing is to respect others. And there are so many different "bars" now!

Much like others have mentioned, it's all in the definition of "bar."
I would most definitely take my kids to a sports pub at dinner time, some place like that. We're not talking about going out for drinks after bedtime...
Also depends on the kid. Some aren't loud and annoying. It's all about common sense, and since bars are non-smoking environments everywhere I go, at least, I don't see an issue with it.
As far as language and swearing, you encounter that everywhere you go. Ever been near a group of teens hanging out near a park or anywhere else?

Well -define "bar". I have a feeling that Dave and I hang out in rather different establishments (swearing, shooting pool, filthy toilets....). I never took my kids to a bar because when they were little bars still allowed smoking where I live...but I could totally see taking a tiny infant (the kind small enough to be in a sling or carrier) to my local lounge, which is quite a quiet and reserved environment.

I have to agree with Melissa, the only time I think it is ok is when we are talking about a soundly sleeping infant. Otherwise I find it extremely selfish. I was bothered by the comment that the woman in favour of bringing her baby to the bar that went something along the lines of they like to save their babysitting dollars for a special occaision. I have children too and when I go out for a night on the town, I don't want to spend my babysiting dollars in the company of other people's children. I find it really inconsiderate to think only of yourself and not to consider that your night out with your baby might be someone else's "big night out" without their kids. Yes, I do find you entitled. What is it that you are after exactly? A drink? Then put baby to bed and enjoy a nice glass of wine in your living room/patio with a friend or two. A night out on the town? Then hire a babysitter and have your night out. Why try to do both halfway, while being a pest to those around you?

I say NO!! Definately no....there is time and places for everything and everyone...and that is just not the place for a baby, plus you won't enjoy the moment to the max (if a responsible parent).

In this case, where the author is talking about a soundly sleeping infant I see no issue at all. Having had two babies of my own I can attest that it is nearly impossible to wake them and you would hardly notice their presence. That said, I think there is a big difference once a baby reaches the age where they are easily disturbed and less content to just sit quietly. Most of the naysayers likely imagine screaming toddlers disturbing their adult time. As you've clearly stated - a little common sense goes a long way!