Naughty and loud children are spoiling the traditional pub atmosphere
According to the Good Pub Guide badly behaved youngsters top the list of pubgoers’ complaints.
In a recent survey one reader wrote: “Why are there undisciplined children who are allowed to run around unchecked, or screaming babies who aren’t taken outside to calm down?”
While another said: “My peaceful lunch by the fire with a pint was totally ruined by a child running around whooping and tripping up staff, and when asked to quieten down by the landlord, the poor man faced abuse from over-protective parents. Ridiculous.”
So what are the rules on taking children into pubs?
Before 1995 those under the age of 14 were not allowed in pubs in England and Wales.
But since then, licensing laws have been relaxed, and this ban was overturned.
It means that children under 16 are allowed into a pub as long as they are accompanied by an adult.
Some premises have restrictions on the time they can stay until with many asking parents to take their young family home by 9pm.
Children aged 16 and 17 and accompanied by an adult can have an alcoholic drink with a meal but not buy beer, wine or cider.
The Guide’s editor, Fiona Stapley said: “Now that almost all pubs warmly welcome children at all times, the few problem families, whose children run riot, stick out like the proverbial sore thumb.”
In July this year a pub in East Staffordshire banned children under the age of five.
Management at the Waterfront, in Barton Marina, made the decision because staff had faced verbal abuse from parents when they had been asked to control their children.
