Piper Methysticum, or as is commonly known kava, is a plant that dates its origin to the pacific islands of Samoa, Fiji and Tonga amongst others.
The plant roots were pounded into a powder, which was then mixed with water to make a drink. Traditionally, kava drink was mainly used for entertainment in cultural ceremonies.
The plant was believed to offer relaxation and mind-calming effects to stressed people. In the present age, the plant is still relied upon for these and other health benefits such as relief from stress and anxiety.
The plant extracts contain active compounds, kavalactones, which are known to offer sedative and anesthetic effects, which in contribute to relief from stress and anxiety.
The drink is mainly enjoyed in places specifically designed to offer different forms of the drink.
Kava bar drinks
These are known as kava bars. This article seeks to find out if kava bars are child friendly places or not.
What is a Kava Bar?
Before we even go to the issue of friendliness to children, let us first ask ourselves what a kava bar is. A kava bar is an establishment specifically designed to offer kava drinks in their different forms. In terms of social environment and arrangement, kava bars are closely related to coffee bars and lounges, only that these are more concentrated in offering kava drink. Kava bars provide the plant enthusiasts with a place to relax, enjoy some music and interact with other people, socially. The bars are strictly oriented to non-alcoholic drinks such as kava, although they may sometimes, upon request offer juices.
Kava Bars versus Child Safety and Wellbeing
So, is a kava bar a child-friendly place? The answer is yes. Although they are primarily adult-oriented places, kava bars are child friendly. Even though kava is not recommended for children, kava bars safeguard the wellbeing of children in many ways that include:
Regulations and Safety
Just like with any other establishments, the local public health departments closely regulate kava bars across the country. It therefore implies that unless unprecedented issues arise, children are safe here. Even so, it is your responsibility to ensure your child is safe and that they will not try kava drinks while at the bar.
Alternative Servings
Although kava bars are primarily designed to offer kava drinks only, they can sometimes offer alternative drinks. If you have a child accompanying you, the bar may have child-friendly drinks such as juices.
Age Restrictions
Some local jurisdictions have laws that prohibit administering of kava to minors. Normally, most kava bars do not offer kava drinks to minors of below 18 years and sometimes under 21 years of age. All this is aimed at maintaining the wellbeing of children whether at a kava club or elsewhere.
Cultural Respect
Kava bars are a great place to educate and instill the culture of kava drinks to children when they are still young. By instilling in them cultural respect to kava, children can learn that you do not have to take alcohol while at a bar. This can even help prevent them from taking alcohol and other drugs because they have a healthy alternative.
Events and Activities
In some instances, kava bars usually organize child-friendly activities and events. For instance, they may plan family oriented events such as storytelling, live music, fun games and other cultural activities. As their parents enjoy kava while they chat with other people, children can be engaged in these activities.
Ambience and Environment
Typically, a calm relaxed and somewhat subdued environment characterizes kava bars. This kind of setting is ideal for adults who are looking for a place to unwind or just chill and enjoy. In terms of safety, it is very child friendly since there are no much noise and commotions. On the other side, children may not relate very well with this kind of setting. This is because they have more energy and need an activity through which to dispense it. This explains why some kava bars usually incorporate child-friendly cultural events and activities.
Having seen that kava bars are child-friendly places, it is now upon you to ensure your child is well catered for when you decide to bring them along. Since some local jurisdictions and bars do not admit children, it is advisable to first confirm with your bar. Even though they may not have restrictions, some bars may lack child-oriented events and activities. It is therefore always advisable to make prior arrangements with your kava bar so that they can accommodate your child.
