Pub Sparks Furious Debate After Banning Children Under The Age Of 12

A pub has sparked debate after banning all children under the age of 12 following a 'rowdy' Father's Day.

The Compass Inn, in Winsor, Hampshire, went child-free six days a week last year but allowed under 12s through the doors on Sundays.

However, now its landlord has the decision to make the under 12s ban permanent, after receiving complaints from non-parents.

The decision by the pub has sparked a debate on social media, with some in favour of the move while others are less than impressed.

Facebook/ The Compass Inn)

Landlady of 26 years, Mop Draper, told the BBC the ban was needed to save her adult customers that visit the pub for "peace and quiet."

On Sunday, she said some children were making "a lot of noise... it was just bad for all the rest of the people eating."

"Other tables were complaining because they were shouting and screaming - it was just ghastly."

She said the seven day a week ban was "the last straw," commenting that a few noisy customers had ruined things, but also acknowledging that it was "pretty sad for the children that do behave themselves."

In September, the pub banned under twelves from Monday to Saturday but Ms Draper said the bad behaviour had persisted on Sundays.

Instagram/ The Compass Inn)

This new rule means they won't be welcome at all.

Reacting to the news, many criticised the pub for "punishing" well-behaved children and asked why some families were not just asked to leave.

One mum wrote posted: "Wouldn't it be better, rather than tar every family with the same brush, [to] offer an adult-only area for adults who clearly don't like kids."

While someone else wrote: "Very disappointed at this, why didn't you ask the family to leave and not discriminate against all kids under 12. If families like this are never asked to leave they will never learn to control their kids".

"Naturally, you should have dealt with the rowdy family and requested that they leave - rather than move other customers to a quieter area," echoed someone else.

"To then ban every family with children under 12 seems to me to be punishing others for a situation that you dealt with poorly."

Kennedy News and Media)

However, others were pro the idea.

"Good for you," said one woman in support of the decision, adding: "Poorly behaved kids are the worst. Shame on their parents."

While another agreed: "For every upset parent with 'perfectly behaved children' now boycotting, you'll make back the money in reservations from adults who want a quiet pub meal without kids ruining it. I'll be sure to book a table when I'm in the area".

A fellow diner chimed in: "Thank you for creating a peaceful adults only environment. These types of places are few and far between."

The Compass Inn has been 100 per cent gluten-free for the past five years and is a favourite for locals in the area.

Should pubs go child-free? The jury is still out on this one...

Topics: Life News, Tasty Food, Real, Life, Parenting

Joanna Freedman

Joanna is a journalist at Tyla with a particular interest in highlighting women's issues and telling inspiring first person stories. She's also their resident foodie, and loves covering exciting new beauty launches, too. Contact her at [email protected].

@joannafreedman