I don't think beer hall is the correct term either, mem, but I can't for the life of me remember what we called it. I'm thinking primarily of the Avalon in North Vancouver, but there used to be a lot of them. I remember it seemed a big deal when they tried to upgrade it with real wooden chairs instead of benches. But you're right, intimidation of the elders or innocents was not in the picture (then). I have heard of two "swarming" incidents, as described by Den, by the current crop.