Some good input in this thread.
I have no corner on answers, but ... in the same vein ... I think part of the answer lies in getting tables into places other than pool halls. Don’t get me wrong - I love a good (smoke free) pool room. There is no other place like it. But ... being a unique kind of place with a special history does not make the pool room an attraction for those not yet into the game - no matter how well-appointed or kid friendly it is found to be once inside the doors.
Think of bars. Think of an old school tavern that is windowless, smoky and patronized by middle of the day and quitting-time drinkers (in many cases, alcoholics, or “drunks”). Now imagine that the locations (or types of locations) of these bars and taverns remain the same - on Main St. or Side St., with a storefront and a new sign that still has “Bar” or “Tavern” in it. Maybe the name has changed from “Joe’s Tavern” to “Family Tavern,” but it still presents itself as a tavern. Imagine that inside it is completely redone, attractively, such that almost anyone would be comfortable and pleased by the ambiance. Is this change going to attract new customers? Be a game changer?
I think the solution lies in bringing the tables (even just a couple of tables per location) to the people, not trying to bring the people to pool halls. Yes, the pool halls desperately need to be brought into the current culture and aesthetic, which means, among other things, more coupling of restaurants and wine bars, etc. with the tables, and more co-location with other places that offer entertainment, experience, and gathering. Basically, visibility needs to be increased, and the establishments need to be such that patrons are going to say “Wow” when they arrive, and “That was fun, let’s do that again” when they depart. The good news is that the game is inherently enticing and fun, so once you establish the right locations, and mix in other desirable things (food and drink, mostly), they will have fun.
A great example of this model is Jim Gottier’s place in Richmond, VA - Greenleaf’s:
https://www.12abouttown.com/coffee-strangers-jim-gottier-richmond-embarrassment-riches-s2e6/
https://youtu.be/wXOme4G0dwo
One non-pool hall venue that is important is the college student center. College schedules are perfectly suited to create opportunities for young adults to play and get into the game. The billiard industry did itself a real disservice by letting this venue dry up. It should almost be a loss leader for the table manufacturers.
Another great opportunity is hotels. People arrive for an overnight or even multi-night stay and always need to look into local guides, or talk to a counter person, for info on nearby places to eat and for “things to do.” Yes, hotels often have swimming pools for kids, gyms for the fitness buffs, and restaurants (typically overpriced), but having a pool table or two right there, with no need to go out, or get changed, is a great option. I one went on a week long business trip and stayed at a hotel that had a billiard room (separately it had a cigar room). The billiard room got lots of use, by my small group but also by many others.
My two cents.