I’m well aware that the drinking age in Massachusetts (and 48 other states, to the best of my knowledge) is 21. Being 19, I should not expect to be served at any establishment. This is all very well, but will they let me in?
A friend of mine is having a birthday tomorrow (not her 21st; she’s older), so a bunch of folks are going out together, everybody’s invited, etc. Do I politely bow out because I don’t want to be turned down at the door, or do I go along and just hope the bar gives me a wristband or stamps my hand or something?
Despite going to college in Boston, I did very little bar-hopping, so I’m not sure how much help I can be.
That said, is the Purple Shamrock just a bar, or is it a restaurant that’s mainly known as a drinking place? If the latter, they’ll probably let you in, but card you if you try to order any alcohol.
I don’t know if there’s a law about letting minors into a bar, or if each bar makes it’s own policy.
I think it totally depends on the place. The first thing is whether they have a bouncer at the door; you said the party’s tomorrow, Saturday, right? I recommend going by the bar tonight and seeing whether theres a guy out front giving everyone the third degree. Friday night policies (as far as ‘the door’ goes) will often be the same as Saturday night policies. Anyway, if there doesn’t appear to be a bouncer, you’re probably all right as far as getting in goes. Yes, there are often laws stating that, technically, you must be of legal drinking age to be in a bar, but on a busy weekend night this won’t be enforced unless you give them a reason to (drawing undue attention to yourself). If there IS a bouncer, it might still be worth your while to at least try; have the girl whose party this is explain that you are a dear friend, this is a special occasion, and that you won’t be drinking. Theres a chance they will let you in anyway, since its for a specific occasion, and not you just trying to hang out in a bar underage. On the other hand, the bouncer might tell you that he can’t bend the rules for anybody, and you’d have to leave. My recommendation is to try going in; the worst that can happen is you’ll be politely but firmly denied entrance. It’s not like you’re trying to put one over on them or anything.
occ has obviously never been to the Purple Shamrock.
If there’s a band, and there almost always is on weekends, there’ll be a big beefy bouncer with a brogue or a Boston accent you could clean drains with who will very much take exception to your attempting to enter. There’s no way they’ll let you in if they card you. There will be no debate. Your only hope is to go early, before the bouncer sets up shop. You might slip in.
No sob story will work at the PS. If they have a bouncer, you’re not getting in. Even if it’s true in your case, they must hear the “but I’m really not going to drink!” line 50 times a night.
Whether a place that has a bar lets in under-21s depends on whether they are: 1) a restaurant that also has a bar; or 2) they are a bar that might also serve food but isn’t a “restaurant.” I believe the PS is classified as a bar (but I’m not sure), in which case you’re out of luck. Why you try calling them and ask what their policy is for people who want to go there for dinner but aren’t of age yet? At least you would know if there’s no hope and you’d avoid the dreaded embarrassment of everyone else in line laughing at you as you walk away.
Thanks, folks, that’s kind of what I was thinking. I’ll probably give the joint a call sometime tomorrow (and expect them to laugh in my ear). Sigh. (But maybe, if I get there really early…)
No, the Purple Shamrock will not let you in if you are not 21. They do not give out wristbands.
What you could do is go there for a late dinner before they start carding. Then just try to hang around inconspicuously until the party starts. Don’t order any alchohol. otherwise you will get carded at the bar or by the waitress.
If you are lucky, you may be able to hang out for the party.