Children in pubs- in sight of the bar

[Davypops]

I seem to remember a law that children were OK in pubs if they were in a separate area from the bar. Over this weekend, and more often than in the past, toddlers were running around screaming in my local pubs. The parents weren't eating, just drinking and ignoring the kids. Is there a law does anyone know? I'm not being grumpy but it would be handy to be armed with a statute if I had to confront a landlord! Thanks. Dave.

[emmie]

as far as i know children are not allowed near the bar. ignoring the kids doesn't seem to have any law, as plenty of people do it, and not just in pubs.

[sandyRoe]

It doesn't seem right. When I was a drinker the sight and sound of noisy brats running about the place would have put me off my grog.

[emmie]

indeed sandy, most parents stuck the kids in a corner away from everything and got on with the important part of the day, bending the elbow.

[SeaJayPea]

The rule you remember was there, definitely. But I seem to remember that the law changed a while ago, maybe as long ago as 15 years, and that children are now allowed anywhere in a pub up until about 7pm. Different local authorities have different ideas on the matter. I think some allow 8pm.

No landlore is going to refuse to serve any adults, with or without kids, provide they're behaving themselves. And they make a much greater percentage profit on Coke, crisps and stuff than they do on beer.

[ummmm]

What if the pub doesn't have a separate area from the bar?

[emmie]

then they will be under the feet of those enjoying a pint presumably.

[ChuckFickens]

The current law just states the a child under 16 can not be on the premises if unaccompanied by an adult (unless they are just passing though, to the garden for example)

If they are with an adult there is nothing that states they can't go anywhere, although the landlord can set their own rules about it if they wish.

[snags]

''I'm not being grumpy''

Are you sure? People want a drink. People have kids. Kids run about and occasionally scream. Get over it :-)

[ChuckFickens]

http://www.legislatio.../children-and-alcohol

[hc4361]

Problem is, snags, children can run about and scream in the park and playground but adults can't drink alcohol there.

[sunny-dave]

Landlords will make their own decisions about whether it is in their commercial best interests to allow ankle-biters to run free ....

... I will make my own decisions about which pubs to drink in ...

[snags]

My previous post was tongue in cheek, hence the smiley face: I spent all of yesterday afternoon in a pub which had a few screeching kids running about. The urge to stick my foot out as they ran bpast was almost unbearable.

[ummmm]

In all the years I've lived, worked and drank in pubs, I can't remember kids running around screaming.

[emmie]

the best places are those which have facilities specifically aimed at children,
they can scream all they want, play safely and the parents can enjoy their drink knowing all is well. London pubs are not like that simply because of the space, most being too small, but those in the countryside, some we have been to have large gardens, or indoor facilities, play areas.

[ChuckFickens]

It does happen, ummmm.

The pub I used to work in would allow children in, but we told people that if they started being a nuisance they would be asked to leave.

[emmie]

some of the local pubs do not allow children in at all.

[sunny-dave]

Not all cultures have the same 'robust' attitude to child rearing as yours ummmm - I like your sort of pub a lot :-)

[China Doll]

I can't imagine much more boring for a child than sitting around with a coke and crips while adults talk and drink in a pub that has no facilities for children, no wonder some of them start screaming. However, I don't see why I should have to listen to it, they should be on a three strikes and you're out deal :c)

[ChuckFickens]

Like a lot of things in pubs, it's at the landlords discretion, a lot of people seem to forget it's their premises and they can set whatever rules they want as long as it doesn't go against the normal discrimination laws.

[emmie]

i have always thought that children shouldn't be in pubs, not even when we were children, taken there by parents only to be bored stiff, waiting while they had a knees up.