The evolving status of children in pubs

Cast your mind back to when you were a kid. Going to the pub with your parents was an altogether different experience to the one our children now experience.

Sat outside on the traditional picnic bench in the beer garden with a bottle of coke (glass of course) and a packet of Scampi fries.

If you were really lucky there might be a football goal or a swing but these were few and far between and the holy grail of childhood memories.

Once the pre 1995 ban on children under 14 being allowed in pubs was overturned things changed massively.

Fast forward to present day and most operators recognise the financial gain of being family friendly. So what are the key considerations when balancing between making your venue a happy place for all the family whilst not offending your customers who want a more adult feel to their pub experience?

Legal requirements

Firstly it’s best to check your own licensing restrictions and ultimately you have the control over who you let into your premises as the person with their name above the door.

As a broad brush if you sell alcohol only then you can’t have unaccompanied children (under 16’s) on your premises or drinking alcohol in any way.

If you sell food also then 16 and 17 year olds can drink beer, wine or cider with a sit down meal provided they are with an over 18.

No under 16’s are permitted on your premises at all between 12am and 5am. This is a snapshot of the extensive laws in place and the BPPA has a very helpful guide to children in pubs here http://www.beerandpub.com/industry-briefings/children-in-pubs

You make the rules

Many landlords have adopted the approach of setting guidelines or rules to where and how late children can be in their premises outside of the licensing laws.

If you have the space then this can be a good way to keep all types of customers happy. Creating a family friendly area for drinking and dining can be rewarding.

Many pubs also have a time curfew on kids which is a safe option from all perspectives, giving families time to be together but ensuring that when the late night drinkers are in, the kids are tucked up in bed.

It’s a good idea to check out what other premises are doing around you and whether there is a niche to be different, and the demographic of people in your area and your customers to work out the best plan for you.

You may need to try a few different options to see what works or ask your customers for feedback.

Happy Kids Happy Parents

Well behaved happy kids are those that are not bored so when catering for them in pubs you need to think about their needs too.

• What’s your snack and soft drink offering like? Most parents are not massive fans of fizzy drinks or fruit shoots so think carefully about what you else you could offer to children.
• What is your menu like? Are there Vegetarian, healthy, low sugar and other options?
• Is it allergy friendly and clearly marked out?
• Is it fun? Naming the dishes, using appealing ingredients to kids, making it colourful will all add to the experience for kids.
• Can you get the meals out in a timely manner? Hungry kids are grumpy kids so if your kitchen is under pressure can you offer kids a little starter or nibbles to keep them chipper?
• Pens, paper, colouring, games will all help and are cheap to provide.
• Don’t forget dessert! Yes it’s naughty but as long as their is consideration towards healthier options we all love a sweet treat.
• Don’t forget your toilets, are they family friendly? Think wet wipes, nappy bins, reachable soap.

Other customers

There is undoubtedly a tricky tightrope to be walked between your different types of customers and you are in control of this wobbly path.

If you genuinely have put thought into your offering for all the family as a pub,  then the family from hell scenario should hopefully be few and far between.

This means that your other customers should be happy. You should never be afraid to deal with unruly children, you have a duty of care for many different reasons from sanity to health and safety.