So, I am in a new band, it is still being built, as we need drummer/singer. But, my question is this: One of the guitarists is my little brother, soon to be aged 16. Will this become a problem when/if we start playing gigs? I assume that he could still play any bars or 21+ stuff, since he is part of the band, but does anyone have experience with this sort of thing? I really want this to work, we are all so far serious musicians, and share the ultimate goal of "getting big" so to speak.
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New band, quick question
- Thread starter IbanezBass69
- Start date
Angus Young and Malcom Young are borthers
I was in a band and The guitards were Brothers they actually got along pretty well
I was in a band and The guitards were Brothers they actually got along pretty well
Laws can vary from state to state, but in many places a bar will not let someone in if they're under 21. Being in a band makes no difference.
If it's a restaurant that has an attached bar, you might be able to get in. If it's a place that sells tickets, checks ID, and stamps hands at the door, you might be able to get in.
But for plain old bars, you should ask bar owners in your state.
If it's a restaurant that has an attached bar, you might be able to get in. If it's a place that sells tickets, checks ID, and stamps hands at the door, you might be able to get in.
But for plain old bars, you should ask bar owners in your state.
From mine and others experience, never a problem playing bars underage. It all depends on the bar or the state law. Some states will allow a 16 yr old in accompanied by an adult - period. Also, the club owners usually aren't thinking "is this guy old enough?" We had an 18 yr old in the band until he was 20 ish and never did we get hassled/asked. After all, the venue needs the entertainment and who else are they going to book in an hours notice? Rock On!
It will vary with local laws. When I was underage, most bars would let me in, but only for setup/playing/tear down. No hanging around before or after.
Its worse than that, actually...
Even if its legal to be in the bar at 16, its still illegal to drink. Bar owner may not want to take a chance they won't be drinking in the parking lot and get discovered drunk underage in his bar. How does he prove he didn't provide drinks in that case?
He may not want to risk it even if its legal. Surely not if it isn't.
Randy
Even if its legal to be in the bar at 16, its still illegal to drink. Bar owner may not want to take a chance they won't be drinking in the parking lot and get discovered drunk underage in his bar. How does he prove he didn't provide drinks in that case?
He may not want to risk it even if its legal. Surely not if it isn't.
Randy
I started playing in bars at age 15 in Georgia. Never had any trouble, but was always respectful & didn't try to drink. I was 15 in 1983, though, so my experience may not be helpful.
It wasn't OK when I was kid back in the late 60's and early 70's. I had a regular country band gig where they (the band) hid me behind the amp stacks, seated on a low stool, so the cops wouldn't see me when they came in the front door (which they did 2 or 3 times a night). Yeah, it was an inner city dive bar, but paid me about $75 a night ... good money when the minimum wage was $1.50/hr.
St. Paul, Minnesota passed a local ordinance that prohibits the employment of minors under age 18 in businesses where alcohol is sold for consumption on the premises, except where: (1) the person under 18 is employed as musicians or in bussing or washing dishes in a restaurant or hotel, or (2) the person under 18 is employed in restaurant or hotel where only wine is sold, provided that the person under age 18 does not server or sell wine (St. Paul, Minnesota Ordinance §409.08). Under Minnesota state law, no local ordinance can be enacted that prohibits 18- to 20-year-olds from entering an establishment to perform work, including selling or serving alcoholic beverages (Minnesota Statute §340A.503).
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I'd check with local law enforcement wherever you play to get details for that area so you won't be surprised with local restrictions.
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I'd check with local law enforcement wherever you play to get details for that area so you won't be surprised with local restrictions.
Wow, that reply helped quite a bit, thanks a ton man!
And props for actually looking where I am from and going the extra mile! Looks like we might be safe then, but I guess I will still check before booking anything, just to make dang sure we are safe.
And props for actually looking where I am from and going the extra mile! Looks like we might be safe then, but I guess I will still check before booking anything, just to make dang sure we are safe.
