These are the house rules at the local pub. They've been using them for a while now and nobody has complained. Originally they were going with ball in hand anywhere, but after a lot of moaning and groaning from a few "regulars" it was changed to ball in hand behind the line.
House Rules for 8 Ball
1.) Object of the game: Eight Ball is a call shot game played with a cue ball and 15 object balls, numbered 1 through 15. One player must pocket balls of the group numbered 1 through 7 (solids), while the other player has 9 through 15 (stripes). The player pocketing his entire group first, and then legally pocketing the 8 ball wins the game.
2.) Call Shot: In call shot obvious balls and pockets do not have to be indicated. It is the opponent’s right to ask which ball and pocket if he is unsure of the shot. Bank shots, combination shots, and kicks are not considered obvious and must be called. When calling a shot it is never necessary to indicate details such as the number of cushions, banks, kisses, caroms etc. The opening break is not a called shot and the player breaking may continue to shoot so long as any object ball is legally pocketed on the break.
3.) Challenger racks / Winner breaks: The incoming challenger puts up the quarters and racks. The player who won the previous game breaks.
4.) Racking the Balls: The balls are racked in a triangle at the foot of the table with the 8 ball in the center, the one on the foot spot, a stripe in one corner and a solid in the other.
5.) Scratch on the break: If a player scratches on the break, the table is open and the incoming player has ball in hand behind the headstring and may not shoot at an object ball behind the headstring unless he first shoots the cue past the headstring and causes the cue ball to come back and hit the object ball.
6.) Balls jumped off the table on the break: If a player jumps any ball off the table on the break it is considered a foul and the incoming player has the choice of: a.) accepting the table in position as is, or: b.) taking the cue ball in hand behind the headstring. All jumped balls stay down.
7.) 8 Ball on the break: If the 8 ball is pocketed on the break it is an automatic win for the breaker.
8.) Open Table: (Defined) The table is “open” when the choice of groups (stripes or solids) has yet to be determined. When the table is open, it is legal to hit any solid or stripe first in the process of pocketing the called ball. However, on an open table it is a foul to contact the 8 ball first and no pocketed ball will be scored in favor of the shooter. The shooter loses his turn; the incoming player has ball in hand behind the headstring and the table is still “open”.
9.) Choice of Group: The choice of stripes or solids is not determined on the break, even if balls are made from only one or both groups. The choice of group is determined only when a player legally pockets a called object ball after the break.
10.) Legal Shot: (Defined) On all shots (except the break, and when the table is open, the shooter must hit one of his group of balls first and: a.) pocket a numbered ball, or: b.) cause the cue ball or any numbered ball to contact a rail. It is permissible for the shooter to bank the cue ball off a rail before contacting the object ball. Failure to meet these requirements is a foul.
11.) Safety Shots: For tactical reasons a player may choose to execute a legal shot and also give up his turn at the table. If the shooter intends to pocket one of his balls in the execution of a safety he must make his opponent aware of his intention. If this is not done and one of the shooter’s object balls is pocketed, the shooter will be required to shoot again.
12.) Scoring: A player is entitled to continue shooting until failing to legally pocket a ball of his group. After legally pocketing his entire group of balls, he shoots to pocket the 8 ball.
13.) Foul Penalty: Opposing player gets cue ball in hand behind the headstring. . If all of the incoming player’s object balls are behind the line he can request that one of his object balls be spotted (placed on the footspot).
14.) Combination Shots: Combination shots are allowed; however the 8 ball can’t be used as the first ball in the combination unless it is the shooter’s last remaining ball. Otherwise, should such contact occur on the 8 ball, it is a foul.
15.) Balls jumped off the table: If the cue ball or any object ball is jumped off the table it is a foul and loss of turn, unless it is the 8 ball which is loss of game. Jumped object balls are not re-spotted.
16.) Cue Ball Fouls Only: it is not a foul to accidentally touch stationary balls located between the cue ball and the shooter while in the act of shooting. If such an accident occurs, the player should inform his opponent who may then request that the ball be placed back where it was originally or opt to leave it as it is.
17.) Jump and Masse’ Shot Foul: While cue ball fouls only is the rule of play, players should be aware that it will be considered a cue ball foul if during an attempt to execute a jump, curve, or masse’ shot over or around an impeding ball that is not a legal object ball, the impeding ball moves (regardless of whether it was moved by a hand, cue stick, or bridge).
18.) Playing the 8 Ball: When the 8 ball is the legal object ball, a scratch or foul is not loss of game if the 8 ball is not pocketed or is not jumped off the table. The shooter gives up his turn at the table and the incoming player has ball in hand behind the headstring.
19.) Loss of Game:
A player loses the game if he, or she:
a.) Fouls when pocketing the 8 ball.
b.) Pockets the 8 ball on the same stroke as the last of his group.
c.) Jumps the 8 ball off the table (at any time).
d.) Pockets the 8 ball in a pocket other than the one designated.
e.) Pockets the 8 ball when it is not the legal object ball.
Note: All infractions must be called before another shot is taken, or else it will be deemed that no infraction occurred.
. If they had all of their balls behind the head string I would foul on purpose. It was fun, and it pissed people off so much they would eventually play my rules 
Are there sanctioning fees that are assessed, for using the rules that you mentioned?
