There’s no 1 and 15 ball rule in the official world standardized rules nor in the Billiards Congress of America rules. I’ve never encountered such a rule in bar play, either, and before today I’ve never heard of it, so I assume it’s just a regional variation.
The rules are unambiguous about pocketing the 8-ball on the break: it’s respotted or the frame is reracked – opponent’s choice.
Incidentally, the biggest difference between tournament 8-ball and bar rules regards fouls. Most casual players play cue-ball-anywhere-behind-the-headstring after a foul. In official tournaments, the penalty is ball-in-hand to the opponent, just like in 9-ball. Also, when calling your shot, only the ball and the pocket is necessary. You don’t have to list all the caroms, or how many cushions, or kisses or anything like that.