The decision by some pub landlords to ban children has sparked a debate over the role of families in British pubs. At the Kenton in Hackney, landlord Egil Johansen implemented a full ban after a three-year-old toddler fell into a cellar hatch and a five-year-old collided with a staff member carrying drinks, leading to broken glass. Johansen said parents often failed to control their children, forcing him to choose between safety and lost trade.
“In every case, the parents blame us when something goes wrong,” Johansen said. He noted that an earlier 5pm ban had failed, with other customers beginning to go elsewhere. While criticised online, he insisted the move was necessary to prevent accidents and restore the pub’s atmosphere.
However, some landlords argue that excluding children undermines the community spirit of pubs. Lee Jones, landlord of the Brewers Arms in West Malvern, reversed a previous child ban, stating, “Pubs are for the community ... We’re just friendly – we don’t distinguish.” He reported few issues, with polite words usually sufficient for rowdy children.
Others have experienced the opposite. Stephen Boyd of the Alma in Crystal Palace banned children after finding that families with lower-value orders demanded disproportionate attention, while full-price adult customers waited longer. He described the ban as a “fucking revelation”, with staff retention up and takings doubled. However, he faced online backlash from critics who had never visited.
Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, acknowledged the topic is “very live”. The divergence in approach reflects a broader tension between attracting families and maintaining a peaceful environment for drinkers.
