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Landlady Bans Kids From Pub Saying Parents Can't Control Them

Landlady Bans Kids From Pub Saying Parents Can't Control Them

She says youngsters ignore social distancing rules and make too much noise

Claire Reid

Claire Reid

A pub landlady has banned under-12s as she's had enough of badly behaved kids ignoring social distancing rules.

Lucy Draper has announced that from now on The Compass Inn, in New Forest, Southampton, will be predominantly adults-only.

However, since sharing the news on Facebook not all customers are happy about the new rule, with some calling it 'ridiculous' and 'inconsiderate'.

Kennedy News and Media

Others said it was a blow for children with Coeliac disease, as the venue was seen by many as the area's 'only gluten-free pub'.

The 67-year-old has aid families with kids are only allowed in the pub between 12pm and 2.30pm on Sunday and that she has no plans to reverse the rule once the pandemic eases.

Lucy said: "It's their parents' fault. They just don't discipline them, so 75 percent of the children that come in now, they're screaming and running around and not sitting at tables.

"Families will come in here around 5 o'clock after their children have been in the park all day long and they're hyper. They should be taken home to bed.

"Especially with Covid now, everyone has to be seated in the pub, but they're not, and that's just brought it to a head and I've had enough."

Kennedy News and Media

After sharing the post on Facebook, several locals hit back about the rules, with one writing: "So you've been happily taking families' money for years, but now you ridicule them."

Another wrote: "I have always recommended this pub for the excellent food. I'm completely shocked at your stuffy arrogance to make this decision."

In response to the criticism, Lucy added: "I know it's going to upset some people, and I can see that on Facebook.

"It's just gone too far on there and it's just ridiculous. I'm not reading all the hundreds of comments or whatever it is.

"This pub is an adult environment. It shouldn't be a children's creche and most of my regulars are there every day or two to three times per week just for a quiet drink or meal.

Kennedy News and Media

"We've got 11 pubs in a square mile round here and there's probably four chain pubs that deal with children, with play areas, so I'm sorry, but they'll have to take their children there.

"I understand that we're number one for gluten-free in the area, but I have made sure there's a time for families to come on a Sunday and I hope they do still come in."

And not everyone is annoyed by the new rule, one supporter wrote: "Good move, any locals will know you're full with adults so it's not like this is going to affect your business.

"We need more mostly adults-only places, it's nice to know poorly behaved kids won't be ruining our meal. Especially with Covid, where they go from annoying to potentially dangerous."

Featured Image Credit: Kennedy News and Media

Topics: UK News, Pubs