Change in Law Allows Minors in Restaurant Bar Areas With Some Restrictions

The new law goes in effect July 1.

Shutterstock photo.

INDIANAPOLIS – A longstanding Indiana law will soon be changing to expand family dining space in Hoosier restaurants.

According to the Indiana Alcohol & Tobacco Commission, a new law effective July 1 will allow minors in restaurant bar areas while still carrying some restrictions.

The new law will allow families to dine with their minor children under age 18 in a bar area – but for the sole purpose of consuming food.

Under the law, minor children may not be seated at the bar top, and the establishment must have a retail alcohol permit to allow family dining in a bar area.

Bars and taverns that allow smoking may not allow any minors on the premises at any time.

“The law is still restrictive in that the minor child must be in the company of a parent, guardian or family member who is 21 years of age or older, seated at a table or booth, and the minor is there for dining only,” said Indiana Alcohol and Tobacco Commissioner Jessica Allen.

The previous law prohibited minors under 18 years of age from dining in the bar area of a restaurant.

More from Local News

Events

PHOTOS: Wawa Officially Opens in Lawrenceburg

The event featured a ribbon-cutting, freebees, Hoagies for Heroes competition and more!

Microsoft Restoring Service After Widespread Outage

You may notice services coming back as of Friday morning

New Marion FD Release More Details from Fatal Fire

One person was killed in an explosion/fire at a Ripley Co. home on Tuesday night.

Conner 8th Grade Team to Play for State Championship

They will travel to Lexington on Saturday for the big game!

High School Hoops Scores - November 11-12, 2026

Report missing stats and scores to news@eaglecountryonline.com

Bella Hermann Signs to Play Soccer at Thomas More University

Hermann is a four-year varsity letter winner in soccer.

On Air

Your Hometown Radio Station playing
Vince Gill - Pocket Full of Gold

Keith Urban We Were 0:10
Dixie Chicks Cowboy Take Me Away 0:06
Larry Fleet Things I Take For Granted 0:02
Fox News Fox News National Newscast 0:01