I grew up in a German/Italian family and started sipping beer from my grandfathers mug when I was two, and would be provided with a glass of wine during holiday meals for as long as I can remember. I loved the taste of beer, but I never could stand even the best wines. There are no alcoholics in my immediate family, we are all highly responsible and educated adults, and there is nothing wrong with a toddler having an occasion sip of beer or wine with his family. Plus, as others have already pointed out, this kid was drinking root beer.
While I have no problem with kids having an occational sip of beer on private property, but allowing your kid to drink public is foolish and not something done here in the States.