A pub in south Bristol has divided opinion for its policy on children and strict rules its customers must adhere to.
The Hen and Chicken in North Street, Bedminster, insists children must be sat at a table with an adult at all times, whether dining or not, and says there is to be 'no free roaming, running, scootering or climbing'.
The rules are displayed on its notice board and and behind its bar on posters.
The policy also states children under 10 are not allowed on the premises after 6pm, and encourages parents to 'be mindful to prevent children shouting or screaming'.
Some people have said the rules are 'unrealistic' and 'place pressure on parents', but others have applauded the pub for being upfront, encouraging other establishments to follow suit.
The pub's response
The pub's director James Townend told Bristol Live: "As a dad to three sons, I completely understand it can be hard work keeping your children sat down at the pub, but this is not simply a knee-jerk reaction.
"Sadly there are a minority of parents who think it's okay to relinquish control of their parental responsibilities as soon as they enter the pub and think it's okay for their children to run around screaming and shouting.
"There are places where children are free to do this such as parks and playgrounds, but when you enter a pub, which has always been seen as an adult domain, there is a responsibility to conform a little bit.
"We have customers who want to enjoy a nice pint or meal after work without people running around shouting.
"Let's not forget it can also be hazardous. I once picked up a baby who was stood very close to the kitchen's swinging door. If I hadn't have done that, the door could easily swung open and knocked her over.
"We don't take steps like this lightly but the issue has been getting worse recently so we felt like something needed to be done.
"There's a reasonable level of behaviour we expect from all of our customers regardless of their age."
The 50-year-old, who has been at the helm of the pub for 10 years, said the policy has been in place for more than five years, but it is going to be enforced more strictly now.
He said staff have been told to let parents know about it when they enter, so they can make an informed decision as to whether they would like to stay or go elsewhere.
He stressed children are still very much welcome in the pub, providing they abide by the rules, and said the Hen and Chicken is still an important part of the local community, continuing to contribute to the raffles of nearby schools.
'I would much rather places are upfront like this'
Jojo Carpenter, a mum-of-one, was one of those who supported the pub's decision.
The 31-year-old said: "I think this is absolutely fair enough. They’re basically saying that it’s really a pub for adults and that's fine, I just wouldn’t take my child there.
"I actually prefer it when establishments are clear and this sign is very clear.
"There's nothing worse than walking into a pub with kids and feeling unwelcome, despite the fact there are kids' menus on the tables.
"I would much rather places are upfront like this."
People have also shown support for the pub in south Bristol Facebook community groups, in which pictures of the poster have been shared.
One of these supporters was Clair Sam, who wrote: "I don’t think that's unreasonable, children must be with an adult and they must behave, they’re not saying bind and gag them, just don’t let them run riot (sic).
"And young children leaving the pub by a certain time, what exactly is wrong with that?
"I mean would you all really want to stay in a pub with your little darling when it’s busy and full of half cut customers? I think not."
'Totally unrealistic'
But on the flip side, there are other parents who do not think what the pub is doing is reasonable.
Mum-of-two Emma Grimshaw said: "I think the thing about the hours is fair enough but the rest is just totally unrealistic.
"There’s no way you can get a child to sit down for the whole time, putting that pressure on parents is unfair.
"How many adults sit down the whole time they’re there? And also, did the owners sit still when they were kids? I bet they didn’t.
"Either ban kids entirely or let kids be kids, they can’t make up ridiculous rules like this.
"Also let's not forget kids aren’t the only ones who are noisy in pubs - students, stag dos and birthday parties all give them a good run for their money.
"Local pubs cafés and restaurants are meant to be for the whole community, but these new rules goes against that."
On Facebook, Natasha Shaddick also did not approve, writing: "Glad I’m not the only one pretty shocked by this!! Let’s pray they don’t all go this way or we will be moving."
