Should some restaurants ban children?

1. 81

   talfonsoposted 14 years ago

   Should some restaurants ban children?
   
   A lot of us are fed up by screaming kids, ruining our dinners. Recently, a restaurant in the Pittsburgh area stopped serving kids under six, much to the dismay of some parents. That raises the question: should some restaurants follow suit and impose age restrictions? I believe they should, especially if it's a really fancy restaurant. Your thoughts on this?

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2. 69

   maddotposted 14 years ago

   It's not so much about age as about behaviour. Smoking is banned in restaurants in Australia, you can't drink yourself under the table anymore, carrying a gun in a restaurant is also taboo here, foul language is out, being obnoxious, loud mouthed, rude, crass, etc..so forget  ageism and focus on bad behaviour..then we can all enjoy our meal!

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3. 86

   wychicposted 14 years ago

   I don't think they should necessarily ban children outright, because there are some well-behaved kids that need to learn how to interact with other types of society than they do at their local kindergarten. That said, I think most restaurants should impose a strict policy that states that anyone -- child or adult -- who is acting in a way that disturbs other patrons will be excused from the premises.

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4. 89

   queen cleopatraposted 14 years ago

   Dining out with my whole family was one of the many wonderful experiences I had as a kid. I and my brother and sister learned good table manners (if not impeccable *grin*) during these outings. I suggest, restaurants should specify rooms or areas where kids are allowed to eat with their parents. And if not much inconvenience, providing kiddie-sized tables and chairs right beside their parents' dining table could be fun, too!

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5. 84

   vox vocisposted 14 years ago

   I don't think it's fair or nice to ban children from eating in restaurants, but I also believe parents should teach their children table manners at home and in restaurants. I would never go to a restaurant which banned children even if I wanted to go out and eat without bringing them along.

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6. 60

   tamarindcandyposted 14 years ago

   Yes. Children are noisy, messy little monsters. Muzzle them or leave them at home, parents.

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7. 59

   Cameron D. Briggsposted 14 years ago

   I certainly don't feel that once already established an establishment aught to place a ban as though this were the 1950's all over again.  I do however believe that If a restaurant wants that ist primary consumer base to be that of "Adults" then that is something that needs to be seriously considered when writing such a business plan.

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8. 61

   Monisajdaposted 14 years ago

   Not all children are messy, loud monsters as someone here suggested. There are many bad behaved kids out there but not all. I wonder if poster who thinks so is aware of the fact that he or she was a child, too...
   
   As for the rules, I wouldn't personally mind if there was a ban for younger kids in certain restaurants. I feel more comfortable to take my children to places without white tablecloths and fancy decor. I know in a couple of years they will be ready to eat out there, too.

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9. 77

   nikki_mposted 14 years ago

   I think that it should be up to the restaurant if they want to ban children or not. It's the owner's establishment, and it should be their choice. They may lose or gain business based on this, but that is their choice.
   
   I think the major problem that caused this to become an issue in the first place is that a lot of parents will not teach their children how to behave anymore, especially in a public place. I cannot tell you how many times I have sat trying to eat my dinner and hold a conversation with a screaming child at the next table, and the parents are just ignoring him. It's beyond annoying. Of course, there are children that are well-behaved, but some places just aren't a good environment for them to be in anyway (upscale restaurants, bars, etc).

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10. 0

    Starmom41posted 13 years ago

    yes.
    while I agree with your viewpoint, there's also the issue of parents who expect too much.
    I mean kids need manners, etc., but if adults want to spend a long time in a restaurant, expecting very young children to simply sit silently is unreasonable. 
    
    In restaurants and anywhere else, I get more aggravated at parents trying to force little-bitty kids to stop talking, stop moving, etc., than at the children themselves.

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