A couple have defended their decision to ban five-year-olds from their cafe.
Tony and Beverley Flackett run Harley's Cafe and Coffee Bar, in Fountain Square, Hanley, erected a sign outside which stated that young children were banned - a policy that has been in place for some time.
The move has been criticised by customers who visited whilst pregnant but who are now not allowed under the rules following the birth of their children.
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Tony, who recently spent £100,000 on refurbishing the business, said children make too much noise.
He said: "We have had a no under-fives policy for 23 years simply because they run around, the mess they make and we don't have the facilities in the toilets.
"We have signs outside on the board and on the door.
"I think we're the only place that doesn't let under-fives in and people say they like coming here as there is no screaming kids.
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"I know people get annoyed about it, but at the end of the day that's the policy. It's not that we don't want children in, just five years and older.
"We don't have the space for pushchairs all over the place, we're not exactly a massive cafe.
"There are plenty of other cafes that let kids in, it's not like they haven't got anywhere to go.
"We had a couple of kids in this morning, they sat down and were well behaved, but children at two or three start running around and screaming.
"We have a lot of valuable stuff in here and we don't want them to start messing around with them."
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Some people in the local community have been vocal about their opposition to the ban, with a number even threatening to never step foot inside again.
Speaking to the Stoke Sentinel, one resident said they were upset by Tony and Beverley's decision.
"Loved their food, I went in a lot while I was pregnant," they said.
"Unfortunately, no under-fives are allowed. I'd say it's more for the kids not to touch all their items on the walls. Nothing to do with the pram space.
"I think it's so wrong, so I've not been in since as my daughter is now 21 months. I think it's more kids touching and other customers moaning about screaming babies."
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Echoing the disappointment, another parent said: "I used to love this place, but one of the last times I went for breakfast I was told I couldn't go in with my child in a pushchair."
While a third added: "They don’t allow children which doesn’t help a mother who just needs a nice coffee.
"I tried get in the other day but he turned me away cause I had my child with me."
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