UK pubs split over child-free policies as safety and business pressures mount
“I’m legally obliged to keep children safe on my premises… if parents let their children run riot, the only answer is to not allow them in at all.”
A growing number of pub operators across the UK are introducing restrictions on children, citing safety risks, staff pressures and changing customer expectations, according to accounts from landlords managing increasingly complex environments.
Egil Johansen, who has run the The Kenton pub in east London for 17 years, said a series of incidents involving unsupervised children prompted him to impose a full ban. He described repeated situations where young children moved freely around the premises, including one case in which a three-year-old entered a restricted staff area and fell through a cellar hatch while parents were elsewhere.
Johansen also recalled a five-year-old colliding with a staff member carrying drinks, resulting in broken glass, and a separate incident involving a group of parents who, he said, did not supervise multiple children who were running through the venue. He said that in such cases, parents often blamed staff when accidents occurred or objected when asked to intervene.
He initially attempted a partial restriction by prohibiting children after 5pm, but said the measure proved ineffective. He subsequently implemented a complete ban, citing legal obligations to ensure safety on the premises and concerns that other customers were being deterred.
The decision has generated debate within the hospitality sector, with some operators taking a different approach. Lee Jones, landlord of the The Brewers Arms, said he reversed a previous ban on children and maintains an inclusive policy.
Jones said his pub is designed to accommodate a broad customer base, including families, and that issues related to children’s behaviour are typically addressed through direct communication with parents. He noted that disruptive incidents are infrequent in his experience.
Other landlords report a more challenging environment. Stephen Boyd, who manages the The Alma, said that efforts to attract families led to operational strain. He described increased demands on staff time, including requests for customised food and drink options for children, which he said slowed service for other customers.
Boyd also cited behavioural concerns, stating that a small number of disruptive children could affect the overall atmosphere of the venue. He said that when staff intervened, some parents reacted negatively. After introducing a ban on children, Boyd reported improvements in staff retention and revenue, though he also faced criticism online.
Beyond safety and service issues, some operators point to financial factors. Mandy Keefe of the The Wheel Inn said her decision to restrict children was partly based on economic considerations.
She noted that children typically order from lower-priced menus and do not contribute to alcohol sales, which can affect overall profitability, particularly during peak service periods.Industry groups acknowledge the sensitivity of the issue.
Tom Stainer, chief executive of the Campaign for Real Ale, said debates around children in pubs can be contentious. While he expressed a preference for inclusive environments, he emphasised that responsibility for children’s behaviour ultimately rests with parents.
The differing approaches reflect broader shifts in how pubs position themselves within their communities. Some seek to maintain traditional roles as family-friendly spaces, while others are adapting to demand for adult-focused environments.
The absence of a uniform standard has resulted in varied policies across the sector, shaped by individual business models, customer bases and risk assessments.Johansen said his decision was not taken lightly, describing himself as a people-oriented operator reluctant to exclude any group.
However, he maintained that repeated incidents and safety concerns left limited alternatives.Across the industry, landlords continue to weigh the balance between inclusivity, safety obligations and commercial viability, with policies evolving in response to local conditions and customer expectations.
