Pub divides opinion by ordering children to stay seated after ’minor injuries’

15 February 2023 , 12:02

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The pub did not say what the nature of the injuries were

A pub has come under fire for bringing in a new policy which insists kids must stay seated at their tables after a number of minor injuries. The Victoria Park pub, in Bristol, said they had to bring in the new policy after a health and safety evaluation which saw children who were not sitting at their tables get injured.

The pub claims it still welcomes all guests, including little ones, but the new rules have left some parents -especially those who have children with special needs- feeling unwelcome from the pub.

The Victoria Park posted the announcement on its website and on an A-board outside the inn, reports Bristol Live.

They recently had a health and safety evaluation (Bristol Live)

The A-board announcement said: "We politely ask that children remain seated. After a recent health and safety evaluation, we have made the decision to change our policy asking that children remain seated with their parent/guardians for the duration of their visit.

"We value our young guests immensely and love when they come to visit us but after a small number of children have received minor injuries, we have made this decision to protect our younger guests from harm, as is our duty of care obligated by law. Thank you for your understanding," it added.

The pub did not go into detail as to the nature of the injuries which the children faced but have said they still welcome them through their doors.

The pub is one of almost 5,000 across Britain that are owned or operated by the Stonegate Pub Company. On its page on the company’s website, the ’Family Policy’ states: "We love hosting our younger guests here at the Vic Park however in light of a recent health and safety evaluation, we kindly ask that children remain seated for the duration of their visit. Thank you for your understanding."

There has been a mixed reaction to the new policy. One regular, who declined to be named, said: "It’s about time, to be honest.

"It’s great that kids come to pubs now, but too often, especially on a Sunday afternoon, they are running around the place. With the staff carrying big plates of hot food or trays of drinks, or people watching the rugby, it’s not a great combination. I wish more places said this out loud too," he added.

But one mum who is a local resident and frequent visitor to the pub said the message felt unwelcoming, particularly for parents of children with special needs.

"Mine have never run around, but it definitely feels unwelcoming and over the top in terms of safety. Every other local that allows kids in doesn’t feel the need to write this,” she said.

Some locals have not been impressed - but others agreed

"Unless they have superglue on their chairs - good luck policing it, and I’d imagine a drop in local families with young kids using the pub as it just feels like they really don’t want kids in.

"I guess we will see a sea of iPads in there, with parents trying to keep kids on chairs - it’s just a lot of pressure for parents with young kids, and creates an unwelcoming vibe," she added.

A spokesperson for The Victoria Park, said: "We want our guests, of all ages, to enjoy their visit to us. In order to keep everyone safe, we are asking children to remain seated where possible during their visit and enjoy their time with friends and family at the table."

Freddie Bennett