Bowling - A "Pool Hall'" By Another Name?

My son recently celebrated his birthday with a party at a Major Bowl venue here in Bangkok. A kids birthday party at a bowling ally would not be considered at all strange in the US - where bowling is considered sort of a family activity (if somewhat old fashioned now). The typical bowling alley caters to families during the day and on weekends and to leagues of armature (but still competitive) bowlers during some weeknights.

Most bowling alley's do serve beer and an assortment of typical American junk food - but they are never confused with a bar (or pub).

The first time we had my son's birthday party at Major Bowl here - I was surprised to learn that some parents where hesitant to let their kids join because they had always associated bowling allies with dark somewhat dangerous places that are not appropriate for children. [This would be how an American would view a pool hall]. When we convinced them to come with their child they were pleasantly surprised by how clean and light the place was. It is is interesting how different the perceptions of the same place can be - and how easy it was for me to project my view on the venue to everyone else. Fortunately, this year everyone was already familiar with the venue and new that I would not have my son's birthday in a dark and dangerous bar.