A Manitoba mom who brought her two-month-old son to Rainbow Stage was shocked when she found the theatre has a no-babies policy.

It’s a common practice in the theatre industry but Olivia Billson still feels the policy is unfair.

Olivia Billson's son Grayson is at the age where he goes everywhere with mom.

She found out the hard way not everyone is willing to welcome them everywhere they go.

"We all met just outside Rainbow Stage and walked up to the gate to show our tickets,” said Billson. “We were shocked when the woman working there said, ‘Sorry no babies.’”

Billson was issued six e-tickets she bought online and was planning on attending the Broadway musical Sister Act with family members on Monday night. It didn't say on those tickets babies aren't allowed inside Rainbow Stage theatre.

Billson and her son were turned away, even after she offered to buy another ticket for Grayson. So she got a refund and drove back home to Oakbank while the rest of her group stayed at the show.

"When you're going to a place that is generally so family-friendly, well then why discriminate against babies, right? If you're willing to put up with you know noisy children in the audience what's the difference between a toddler and a two-month-old?" she asked.

Billson said she never saw the policy which is listed in several places on the theatre's website before planning to go.

It states the venue has a “no babes in arms policy” which means a child must be able to sit in their own seat for the duration of the show. Rainbow Stage says children under three are strongly discouraged from attending.

Rainbow Stage executive director Julie Eccles said the no-babies policy is standard theatre practice and that their policy clearly states all patrons regardless of age must have a ticket to enter the theatre.

Theatre-goer Louise Halldorsson said the policy makes sense.

"People are paying for their tickets and they probably don't want the interruption of hearing babies crying or that kind of thing," said Halldorsson.

Winnipeg-based actor and director Rod Beilfuss said venues need to take into account what's best for the audience-at-large and making sure the crowd can focus on the show.

"It's a sad thing to say no babies allowed, but you have to draw the line at some point," said Beilfuss.