Landlords of The Wheel Inn in Westwell, near Ashford, Kent, have sparked controversy by banning children under 14 from their pub. Mandy Keefe and John Forge reopened the venue last week after a two-year renovation, but decided to exclude younger patrons to provide an adult-only space.
Mr Forge told KentOnline that the decision was driven by a desire for a relaxed environment where customers do not have to watch their language. He said: “In a pub, you don't watch your language. You're drinking - you’re taking a legal drug. You're then, at times, behaving inappropriately. Customers have said it's brilliant because they don't have to watch exactly what they're saying.”
The landlords emphasised that they do not want to encourage rowdiness, but acknowledged that swearing and shouting can still occur. Ms Keefe added that children often become bored and disruptive, impacting adults seeking quiet time. “What is there for children to do? So, they get bored. Then they start to run, they start to cry, or they get shouty,” she said.
However, some locals have criticised the policy as “archaic”. A mother who recently moved to the village said: “It will please a very small demographic, unfortunately not the future one. It's archaic and just a shame more than anything.” The landlords remain firm, with Mr Forge stating: “I really couldn't give a toss about them because what you'll find is that they're actually hypocrites.”
Ms Keefe expressed disappointment that criticism was voiced on social media rather than in person. “It felt like I was being bullied into changing my mind rather than coming in the door and asking why we’ve done it,” she said. The couple noted that up until 1995, it was illegal to bring under-14s into pubs in England and Wales, and the Licensing Act 2003 allows pubs to set their own policies.
Ms Keefe compared the policy to adult-only hotels, saying: “We're the only ones that are saying no children. We're providing a nice environment for adults to go where they can talk and chat and be adults together.”
