13 February 2023 , 12:38
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Taking your family and friends out for a meal is a fun treat, but it can quickly be spoiled by kids behaving badly as it's often disruptive for customers.
One restaurant has put its foot down on this by banning children under 10 from dining at its eatery, stating it "wasn't a decision that was made lightly".
The announcement sparked a huge debate on whether the decision was fair, as some customers pointed out that well behaved children would be excluded. However, many defended the decision, blaming poor parenting for pushing the restaurant to this extreme.
Nettie's House of Spaghetti in New Jersey, USA, posted a picture with the words "Children under 10 will no longer be permitted to dine at Nettie's" to social media on February 10, and the announcement was immediately flooded with comments.
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Nettie's didn't take the decision 'lightly' but customers weren't all happy (@netties.house.of.spaghetti/Instagram)Explaining the choice, the team wrote: "We love kids. We really, truly, do. But lately, it's been extremely challenging to accommodate children at Nettie's.
"Between noise levels, lack of space for high chairs, cleaning up crazy messes, and the liability of kids running around the restaurant, we have decided that it's time to take control of the situation.
"This wasn't a decision that was made lightly, but some recent events have pushed us to implement this new policy. As of March 8, the day we return from our winter break, we will no longer allow children under 10 to dine in the restaurant.
"We know that this is going to make some of you very upset, especially those of you with very well-behaved kids, but we believe this is the right decision for our business moving forward. Thank you for understanding."
Angry parents and pro-children commenters quickly bombarded the comments, with one saying: "Wow! This is messed up beyond another level. Children are children. Moms are tired and don't have time to cook.
"Not welcoming children under 10, is a complete a slap in the face to families. So disappointed in this establishment."
Another added: "Can't help feeling this will backfire spectacularly. (No I don't have a kid under 10). The finest restaurants in NYC can accommodate kids but Netties can't? Seems like the trouble is your patrons not the kids."
Nettie's insisted "this is the right decision for [the restaurant] moving forward" in the Facebook comments, and added: "[Children are] running around the restaurant in circles when [staff are] trying to carry trays of food and drinks."
Despite disgruntled customers, the majority backed the restaurant's decision with one comment saying: "Cruise ships have no children allowed restaurants & areas, resorts do as well. Why are people losing their minds about this as if an establishment has never done this before?? I applaud their decision. The food & vibe are fabulous."
Another added: "My kids (12 and 10) actually think this is great idea! We see more and more unruly kids and oblivious parents each time we go out. Or worse the parents who give their kids a device and then let them blast kids shows without headphones."
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A third said: "Teach your children how to behave at home during dinner first. Letting them act like animals at home then wanting to teach them at a restaurant is ridiculous.
"I applaud Netties. If you are complaining about having to get a babysitter then you can't afford to be eating at this place. I hope other places do this even if it's one night a week and adults only day."
The Mirror has reached out to Nettie's House of Spaghetti for comment.