Can underage band members play in bars/clubs if they are in the band?

[hithere]

hey guys I am 20 and my current band has members who are 19, 23, and 17

I am worried that my drummer specifically being so young I will not be able to play clubs/bars.

I know bands like Paramore were playing venues when they were all underage, is it a generally accepted thing to have bars/clubs/ sign a waiver for the performers if they are not of age? or does it depend on the venue?

[Atomic Punk]

I was playing in bars at 14 (the band members' ages at the time were 14 to 16). At that time (30 years ago), it was cool as long as a parent or guardian were in tow.

[guzman]

Fake mustache ?

[Blanket Jackson]

I spent my early teens as a roadie for my guitar teacher's band (i.e. all weekend, in bars, out till daybreak). That's not even "in the band" but "with the band". Sure, those were different times, but I say if the guys work for you then you find clubs that have a more understanding attitude toward age to enter.

[Bluzeboy]

Check the laws in your state and do not rely on what you read here.

[AJ Love]

It depends on the location and depends on the age. In some places it is no problem. In other places like Chicago it is a problem (but can usually be worked out). In Wisconsin, no one under 18 may perform in a venue that serves alcohol

[dangeroso]

I did in Texas in the early 90's.

[Gas-man]

In general, it will be a problem.

Why would a bar take on additional risk?

In most states, those who aren't 21 aren't even supposed to be in the establishment--whether they are in the band or not.

[Marble]

in general it won't be a problem


The singer in my band started gigging, including bars when he was like 13. I used to go sit in with my dad at 12. Many people gigged at bars since before they were 18 or 21, it won't be a problem, just make sure they aren't drinking or doing stupid shit.

[PAF]

I did it all the time in my teens - had to go sit in the restaurant (if there was one) or outside between sets..

[silentbob]

Originally Posted by Gas-man

In most states, those who aren't 21 aren't even supposed to be in the establishment--whether they are in the band or not.

Not even remotely true. Most states allow bars to employ people if they are at least 18.

To the original poster;
Check on the laws of your state and get the required paperwork done in advance. I would also suggest not putting the bars in a position where they can be punished for the things you do. Nothing wrong with having a drink or two, just not in the bars on gig nights.

[Dexter.Sinister]

I sure did in the 70s. I see younguns playing bars here, too. They just can't wander the bar and consume. In breaks, they head outside or into the restaurant section (if there is one).

DS

[Brett's Les Paul]

Check your local laws and be upfront with the bar staff. Don't drink in the bar or be intoxicated as it won't make any difference to the local constabulatory. If you are in the bar , drunk and underage the misery will commence for you and the bar staff/owner. My drummer was 19 when he came aboard. We were honest about his age and we never had any issues in Florida. Seven years later, he's still with us and it's not an issue.

[xjojox]

I did, but it varies by municipality.

In some states you need a permit to work in a bar if you're under 21. You take a course and get a certificate of some kind. But for most bar gigs, you're contracted (if there's even a contract) and not actually an employee. So I don't know how you could work out that detail; maybe take the course and get the permit if your state allows that. But even if the municipality allows it, the bar doesn't have to let you play, and many probably won't because they don't want the liability. On the other hand, there are clubs that let minors in, and they give special wristbands to people of drinking age. Maybe there's someplace like that near you that books live music.

Tidbit: In Texas it's legal for minors to drink alcohol in restaurants and even bars, so long as they are with a parent. But in general no establishment will actually let you do it. (I've been to one restaurant that openly allowed it, but the minor had to drink from the parent's glass).

[Telecaster62]

I started as a fill player for several older bands when I was 16. Never had a problem but I was honest about my age and didn't even try to drink. Beer and wine age was 18 at the time. We have several clubs here in town who regularly employ young bands with no problem. It's not illegal for someone to be underage and in a bar in my state. It is only illegal if they are served a drink.