The rules aim to stop ‘screaming and shouting’ children disturbing punters (Picture: SWNS)

A publican has been slammed as ‘ridiculous’ and ‘unfair’ for insisting children stay at their tables at all times and do not ‘roam free’ in his pub.

The controversial new rules ban children from ‘free roaming, running, scootering or climbing’ in the watering hole.

But others back the move, which is in response to ‘screaming and shouting’ children and parents who think they can ‘relinquish control of their parental responsibilities’.

The new rules are displayed on laminated posters on the boozer’s notice board and behind the bar and apply to all under 18s.


They insist that children must be sat at a table with an adult at all times, whether dining or not.

The Hen and Chicken pub in Bristol, has banned children under 10 past 6pm (Picture: SWNS)

Children under 10 have also been banned from the pub after 6pm and those aged 10 to 16 can only stay after 7pm while having a meal.



Parents are also told to be ‘mindful to prevent children shouting or screaming’.

Some parents have championed the Hen and Chicken pub in Bedminster, Bristol for being upfront, while others have called the new rules ‘totally unrealistic’.

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The pub’s director of ten years, James Townend, said: ‘This is not simply a knee-jerk reaction.

‘As a dad to three sons, I completely understand it can be hard work keeping your children sat down at the pub.

‘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.’

James Townend says adults want peace and quiet while enjoying a nice pint (Picture: Getty)

Mr Townend, 50, says children running around the pub can also be hazardous, recalling the time he picked up a baby standing very close to the kitchen’s swinging door.

He added: ‘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.

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‘There’s a reasonable level of behaviour we expect from all of our customers regardless of their age.’

He said the policy has actually been in place for more than five years but is going to be enforced more strictly now.

Staff have been told to let parents know about the rule when they come in so they can make an informed decision as to whether they would like to stay or go elsewhere.

Mr Townend stressed children are still very much welcome in the pub, providing they abide by the rules.

The new rules have divided opinion among parents (Picture: SWNS)

Mum-of-one Jojo Carpenter, 31, 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.’

But other parents don’t think what the pub is doing is so 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.’

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