When a newcomer attends AA for the first time sometimes they are accompanied by a member of their family or a member of sometimes by a professional who deals with alcoholism .Normally if the meeting is a closed meeting the people attending are made aware that there is a non aa member in the room and it becomes an open meeting . I do know each group is autonomous except in matters affecting AA as a whole but I would be grateful to the forum members for some feedback also on the wish of the majority of the members at the meeting who would make it an open meeting

brianh

What tends to happen in any group which I`ve been involved with is:- The top table are made aware that there is a visitor in the room and the group then declare the meeting open.

This was something discussed when the group had there first group conscience meeting so as not to cause confusion on the night.

It seemed to work without anyone being upset and unaware what was happening.

JC