Going pint-sized in Idaho

Today is an early Independence Day, of sorts, for brewery-going parents in Idaho who’d like to take their kids along.

A new state law takes effect allowing minors in brewery taprooms, putting breweries on equal footing with Idaho wineries. That’s optional; breweries aren’t required to admit children, and are free to add their own restrictions.

North Idaho breweries are taking a varied approach, with some wholeheartedly welcoming the change, and others less eager to embrace it:

– Slate Creek and Mad Bomber have announced they will allow minors accompanied by an adult into their taprooms until 8 p.m.

– Post Falls Brewing plans to allow minors, but has not yet determined specific hours.

– Trickster’s is only allowing minors who are accompanied by adults getting a growler fill or buying a keg.

– Downdraft says it will abide by the law, but isn’t adopting any formal policies and will continue to be vigilant about checking ID and preventing underage consumption.

– In Sandpoint, MickDuff’s will allow minors in its Beer Hall taproom when accompanied by a parent or legal guardian, though some events such as monthly cornhole tournaments and certain music performances will remain 21 and older. Children already are allowed in MickDuff’s main pub, since it’s a full-service restaurant.

– Laughing Dog and Daft Badger also serve food and already were family-friendly.

(The rules regulating minors at Washington breweries are more complicated, depending in part on what type of liquor license the taproom uses.)