Pub sparks fury with angry customers over enforcing strict rule about kids – but who is in the right?
A PUB has come under fire after demanding that children remain sitting at the table.
The Victoria Park pub in South Bristol introduced the controversial policy following incidents of unseated children sustaining minor injuries.
Declining to discuss the details of the injuries, the pub has now left many parents – particularly those with children with special needs – feeling unwelcome.
The establishment, owned by Stonegate Pub Company, defended their decision to implement the new rule amidst scepticism from punters.
An announcement was then posted on its website and A-board, reports Bristol Live.
It said: “We politely ask that children remain seated.
“After a recent health and safety evaluation, we have made the decision to change our policy asking that children remain seated with their parent/guardians for the duration of their visit.
“We value our young guests immensely and love when they come to visit us but after a small number of children have received minor injuries, we have made this decision to protect our younger guests from harm, as is our duty of care obligated by law.
“Thank you for your understanding.”
Located in the leafy suburban area of Windmill Hill, the family-friendly boozer is a favourite among locals, plating up hearty pub grub in an area of Bedminster with a large number of young families.
The ruling has attracted ambivalence from locals.
Some have pointed to the safety hazards of kids running around unsupervised.
One said: “It’s great that kids come to pubs now, but too often, especially on a Sunday afternoon, they are running around the place.
“With the staff carrying big plates of hot food or trays of drinks, or people watching the rugby, it’s not a great combination.
“I wish more places said this out loud too.”
But one mum, a local resident, argues the rule is tone-deaf to those with special needs children.
She said: “Mine have never run around, but it definitely feels unwelcoming and over the top in terms of safety. Every other local that allows kids in doesn’t feel the need to write this.
“Unless they have superglue on their chairs – good luck policing it, and I’d imagine a drop in local families with young kids using the pub as it just feels like they really don’t want kids in.”