AJC > Sandy Springs > Blog > Archives > 2008 > May > 19
Monday, May 19, 2008
Should some restuarants have a no-kids policy?
The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
There is a restaurant - not in our city — catching some flak because they have adopted a no-kids under six policy. Their feeling is adults want a place where they can dine in peace and quiet.
The owners of the restaurant, which is located in Oregon, said that so far they have gotten some static from parents they have turned away, but they have also gotten a lot of gratitude from adults who do not want to share their dining experience with little ones.
I presume this is not an issue solely based on parents who won’t make their kids behave in a restaurant. It can be a lot to ask even a good kid to sit for an hour or so and not be too noisy. Kids don’t sit still well. They don’t want to linger over their dinner. Often when they cause a disruption they are truly acting their age.
Our kids are grown and off in college. As such I can appreciate going somewhere and not wanting someone’s young offspring present. The higher the prices, the less I want to share the experience with anyone who has Barney underwear.
Let’s put it this way. If there are starched linen tablecloths, a wine list of at least 10 pages and the tab will go north of $100 for two — leave your kids at home.
If chicken fingers are on the menu, if the restaurant offers coupons or if there is a hillbilly bear character acting as maitre’d bring your little darlings and you won’t hear a peep out of me.
That is, unless your wee ones are allowed to terrorize the restaurant, then all bets are off. I’d rather appreciate your little prince or princess from across the room and not running past my table playing tag.
Have I gotten intolerant since my own kids have been ordering from the adult menu? Should I be more understanding? Does being a parent of a child up to age 6 or 7 preclude them from a family evening out wherever they choose to eat?
Permalink | Comments (133) | Post your comment | Categories: Jim Osterman
Services »
