Pubs are varyingly welcome of families - from fun pubs with soft play areas and child-sized pub furniture, to the classic image of the 'old man pub' only open to those over the age of 25.
But a report from the British Beer & Pub Association indicates why, regardless of the clientele who are welcomed, pubs should be seen as friends to the young - because of their significant potential to cut unemployment among young people.
The BBPA supported the report, which was compiled by Ernst & Young, and was also backed by EU hospitality trade association HOTREC and brewing industry organisation The Brewers of Europe.
On employment, the EU-wide analysis found that one in every 13 jobs is contained within, or directly supported by, the hospitality sector - totalling 16.6 million positions across the continent.
In addition, the sector's combined value to governments in terms of tax receipts from VAT, excise duty and employment-related tax was €126 billion in 2010, equivalent to roughly £106 billion at current exchange rates.
"The report shows the importance of the hospitality sector, for both jobs and the economy, throughout Europe and in Britain," said BBPA chief executive Brigid Simmonds.
"Policymakers need to focus on how they can allow the beer and pub sector to create jobs and provide new opportunities for business - not least through taxation, such as more action on business rates and beer duty."
The environment of a pub alone gives direct insight into why the sector is so valuable to so many parts of the economy, both within the UK and abroad.
A broad range of beers from brewers of all sizes, located all over the world, gives an idea of the truly international nature of the hospitality sector from the moment you walk to the bar.
The person who serves you your pint, glass of wine or soft drink could be anyone from a student working part-time to fund their studies, to a popular landlord who is a treasured part of the local community.
And with dedicated supply chains for pub furniture, lighting, heating and air conditioning, kitchen equipment, cellar maintenance and so on, it's almost impossible to quantify the true extent to which the hospitality sector helps support economies both at home and abroad.