The owner of a popular pub in London, the Kenton Arms in Hackney, has decided to prohibit children from entering the premises. The ban comes after complaints from customers about disruptive behavior caused by children and babies on the premises.
The pub, which exclusively serves drinks and not food, had initially imposed a 5pm curfew for children in an effort to address the issue. However, the owner, Egil Johansen, has now taken a more drastic step by enforcing a complete ban on children of any age at all times.
According to the pub’s management, the decision was made due to a lack of parental supervision leading to disturbances in the crowded space. They emphasized that the move is not aimed at children but rather the need for adequate supervision in the pub.
The pub has shared images of their “supervise your children” signs, which are no longer necessary as children are no longer permitted entry. The policy change has sparked mixed reactions among locals and regulars, with some supporting the decision due to past disruptions caused by unsupervised children.
While some patrons like Ross Kerslake and Martin Hughes approve of the new rule, others, such as Ross Stout, express disappointment as they will no longer be able to bring their well-behaved children to the pub.
This shift to an over-18s-only policy aligns the Kenton Arms with other establishments in the UK opting for an adult-only environment to ensure a more relaxed atmosphere.