The debate over whether kids should be allowed in pubs kicked off over the weekend, with chef Gary Usher among those wading in. Joe.co.uk’s political correspondent Ava Santina, who has over 85,000 followers on Twitter, sparked the debate as the Easter Weekend began, and the good weather saw pubs packed out.
“I’m sorry but kids at pubs running around uncontrolled by parents are really annoying and always makes me question why I’m spending money to suffer it,” she wrote, in a tweet which has so far been viewed over 1.5 million times.
She later clarified: “‘Running around uncontrolled’ has been missed in the criticism of this tweet. I was a child brought up in pubs! I don’t hate children!”
Read more: The bars and restaurants opening in Manchester this April
The debate was soon raging, at which point Usher, who has just opened his first pub in the countryside outside Chester, waded in with his two cents, laying the blame at parents for the bad behaviour, not children.
“It’s the uncontrollable rude adults that cause problems when out not happy kids,” he wrote. “Please bring your kids & dogs to The White Horse pub where we have kids menus & crayons & also dog biscuits & water for your four legged family members
"Some of my best memories as a kid are running around pubs my mum & dad would take us to. Beer gardens help obviously but just being in pubs when you’re younger with family & friends is the good stuff. Learning how to play pool or having a PINT OF COKE! We were all kids remember.”
Actress Julia Sawalha recalled her childhood experiences, saying: “As a child I wasn’t allowed in pubs. I waited outside with an adult in the beer garden for my packet of Smiths crisps and a lemonade, on my best behaviour at all times. I feel sorry for kids who are brought inside, it’s not a healthy place for them to play. Pubs are for adults.”
Though it's now part of everyday life, children under 14 were not allowed in pubs until the mid 90s. But following legislation to boost the pub industry introduced in February 1995, pubs were allowed to admit them as long as they’re accompanied by an adult, and until 9pm.
Usher also got involved in a similar debate about letting dogs in pubs last year, prior to the White Horse opening. The pub is proudly dog friendly.
If you can't see the poll above, you can click here...
Read more:
