According to Stephen “Boydie” Boyd, owner-manager of the Alma, a pub in Crystal Palace, parents often have high expectations that the world should accommodate their children, rather than the other way around. He believes that parents feel a significant burden to keep their kids entertained, and they expect others to help share this responsibility.
Martin Bridge, owner of the Whippet Inn in York, also agrees that there has been a shift in how parents view their responsibility towards their children. He finds it mind-blowing that some parents believe everyone should take on the responsibility of caring for their kids all the time.
The demands parents make in restaurants and pubs can be overwhelming. From special requests like diluted apple juice or babyccinos, to removing certain ingredients from dishes, it can become a challenge for establishments.
Bridge fondly recalls a comment he read in an online review about a restaurant where the mother was frustrated that the staff wouldn’t watch her child for a few minutes while she went outside for a cigarette. The situation escalated into an argument, and the mother accused the staff of misogyny.
The issue of expectations regarding children in society is complex. While it’s clear that landlords cannot legally ban children from rental agreements, there is a wide range of opinions on what is acceptable in public spaces. A recent BBC investigation revealed that some rental ads on OpenRent explicitly stated a ban on children, despite this likely violating the Equality Act. On the other hand, it’s unreasonable to expect waitstaff to take on the role of caring for a baby while the parents step outside.
The Whippet Inn has been child-free since its opening ten years ago, which initially garnered negative reviews and backlash from parents. However, Bridge believes that the intensity of their reaction stemmed from the fact that becoming a parent had changed their lives dramatically, limiting their freedom and agency.
In the past, it was common for children to be barred from pubs, and parents would have to leave their kids outside while they enjoyed a drink. This practice was eventually regulated and became illegal in England and Wales in 1995. Since then, there has been a shift towards accommodating children in pubs, with many offering children’s menus and playrooms. However, some establishments are now choosing to revert to being child-free.
South Korea, in particular, has embraced the concept of no-kid zones, with hundreds of establishments banning children. This trend began after an incident where a child was scalded by hot soup, and subsequent debates and campaigns led to the recognition of children’s rights. However, these bans have faced considerable criticism and continue to be a topic of controversy.
While examples of child-free establishments exist in various countries, they are not widespread. However, these instances often spark heated debates surrounding sexism, societal tolerance of children, and the question of who is being selfish and antisocial: parents demanding special treatment or others who prefer a child-free environment.
Boyd implemented a ban on under-18s at the Alma post-Covid as a means of enforcing social distancing measures. Eventually, the age limit was reduced to 10, as he found that older children were generally better behaved. The ban has resulted in a more relaxing atmosphere, increased average spend, and reduced staff turnover.
In conclusion, the issue of children in public spaces is multifaceted and continues to generate passionate discussions. Establishments must balance the expectations of parents with the desires of other customers. Ultimately, the aim should be to create an inclusive and enjoyable environment for all patrons.
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