Coffee Shop Owner Bans Kids From His Place, And Some People Are Seriously Angry
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Bob Higginson, the owner of a small cafe on the English Riviera, is brewing up a lot more than fresh coffee these days. His decision to ban children under 12 from entering his establishment, but allow dogs, has sparked a boiling hot controversy in his community and online – but he’s standing by it anyway.
The Chart Room, Higginson’s vintage steamship travel-themed lounge, is located in the quaint fishing town of Brixham, Devon County. A sign on the door politely requests that patrons with children under the age of 12 find somewhere else to drink their coffee. It may sound harsh, but Higginson, who recently appeared on daytime TV program This Morning, has an arguably reasonable explanation for it. “Primarily we wanted to create a nice, relaxed atmosphere for our client base,” he stated. “There are nice and expensive artifacts around… And we’ve had things broken by children in the past.” According to local legislation, he’s within his rights to do so.
Reactions to the restrictive policy have ranged from encouragement to outright offense. One local resident, Wendy Moore, has even called for a boycott of the cafe, which she deems “discriminatory.” Others, however, don’t seem to mind the idea of a little escape from the chaos that often follows with young children. Scroll down to read more, and add your view at the end.
This is Bob Higginson, the owner of a small coffee shop in Brixham, Engand, that bans entry for kids under 12
Speaking on TV, he explained that the policy is meant to provide “peace and quiet” and prevent broken valuables
One Imgur user openly endorsed Higginson’s actions, which have since sparked a heated Internet debate
Many readers, who also liked the idea of a chaos-free environment, were inclined to agree
Others, however, responded less kindly the restrictions, and have even rallied for boycotting
What do you think? Is this agreeable or unacceptable? Tell us below!
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I would be his loyal customer if I lived there! Sure all kids aren't noisy and bratty, but I've had my share of meals being ruined by an unruly child that wants to run around, bang about cutlery, and scream and shout while the parents don't give two cares. Besides, it's only one cafe among thousands that are child-friendly. I don't see what's all the fuss about boycotting. I'd welcome this place with open arms! x)
@SomeGuy Not all Convicted murderers are guilty either, but when creating a policy it's best to stick with it and not make exceptions.
I love this! I choose not to have kids, so it's nice to go somewhere and not have my dining experience ruined by kids. If you have kids, just go somewhere else, to one of the other million establishments that allow kids. Simple as that!
SomeGuy, I agree with you on this. I was an army brat, and my parents were constantly laying down the law about Daddy being responsible for everything I did, so I get your point. The problem though is that society has gotten lazy and allowed self-discipline to lapse. And until it gets its act together, the very thought of unruly kids are a fact of life. Sane thinking people want peace and quiet and will flock to a business like the one above, because the very possibility of peace and quiet means a great deal to them,.....myself included.
@someguy, a 6th grader would be allowed in his establishment because they are usually over 12. There are always exceptions to the rule. I'm sure if your kid was well behaved & you asked nicely he'd let you in with the kid.
Totally agree with you, Aubrie. People should have a place where they can relax without being irritated to the point of madness by some badly-behaved children or poor screaming babies whose parents drag them around, unaware of their offspring's needs. Whoever wanted to have kids must be ready for some sacrifices, like accepting the fact that he/she can no longer go to the local bar whenever he/she likes. I had to do the same when I got my puppy, Argo.
It is not the question whether you have kids or not, it is the question of wanting to have your meal or drink in peace. Excellent business move would be if someone in the neighbourhood would open babysitting establishment so nobody would feel insulted.
@SomeGuy: No one is saying ALL children are disruptive and behave badly. Some are just curious and want to touch everything, and owners of an establishment should be able to decorate as they choose and not be afraid of children destroying things due to their own curiosity. We were once in a very nice restaurant with a baby grand piano with a live pianist. It was so beautiful. This family with what looked like 2 parent, 2 grandparents, and 2 kids had finished dinner and the 2 kids were running around the restaurant, outside to a boardwalk (by the ocean) and back in. At one point, they ran over to the piano and were pounding on it, running their hands all around it. These are precisely tuned instruments. This was a 5-star restaurant. The owner came out and asked that they control their kids and keep them from the piano. They got in a huff and left. The rest of us applauded. That is unacceptable behavior in a restaurant and the parent/grandparents just didn't care.
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Not all kids are loud and obnoxious. I know a 6th grader who is one of the quietest, and smartest people I know. Don't stereotype all kids as loud.
There are like 3 coffee shops per block and Kids under 12 shouldn't be drinking coffee anyway lol
I would be his loyal customer if I lived there! Sure all kids aren't noisy and bratty, but I've had my share of meals being ruined by an unruly child that wants to run around, bang about cutlery, and scream and shout while the parents don't give two cares. Besides, it's only one cafe among thousands that are child-friendly. I don't see what's all the fuss about boycotting. I'd welcome this place with open arms! x)
@SomeGuy Not all Convicted murderers are guilty either, but when creating a policy it's best to stick with it and not make exceptions.
I love this! I choose not to have kids, so it's nice to go somewhere and not have my dining experience ruined by kids. If you have kids, just go somewhere else, to one of the other million establishments that allow kids. Simple as that!
SomeGuy, I agree with you on this. I was an army brat, and my parents were constantly laying down the law about Daddy being responsible for everything I did, so I get your point. The problem though is that society has gotten lazy and allowed self-discipline to lapse. And until it gets its act together, the very thought of unruly kids are a fact of life. Sane thinking people want peace and quiet and will flock to a business like the one above, because the very possibility of peace and quiet means a great deal to them,.....myself included.
@someguy, a 6th grader would be allowed in his establishment because they are usually over 12. There are always exceptions to the rule. I'm sure if your kid was well behaved & you asked nicely he'd let you in with the kid.
Totally agree with you, Aubrie. People should have a place where they can relax without being irritated to the point of madness by some badly-behaved children or poor screaming babies whose parents drag them around, unaware of their offspring's needs. Whoever wanted to have kids must be ready for some sacrifices, like accepting the fact that he/she can no longer go to the local bar whenever he/she likes. I had to do the same when I got my puppy, Argo.
It is not the question whether you have kids or not, it is the question of wanting to have your meal or drink in peace. Excellent business move would be if someone in the neighbourhood would open babysitting establishment so nobody would feel insulted.
@SomeGuy: No one is saying ALL children are disruptive and behave badly. Some are just curious and want to touch everything, and owners of an establishment should be able to decorate as they choose and not be afraid of children destroying things due to their own curiosity. We were once in a very nice restaurant with a baby grand piano with a live pianist. It was so beautiful. This family with what looked like 2 parent, 2 grandparents, and 2 kids had finished dinner and the 2 kids were running around the restaurant, outside to a boardwalk (by the ocean) and back in. At one point, they ran over to the piano and were pounding on it, running their hands all around it. These are precisely tuned instruments. This was a 5-star restaurant. The owner came out and asked that they control their kids and keep them from the piano. They got in a huff and left. The rest of us applauded. That is unacceptable behavior in a restaurant and the parent/grandparents just didn't care.
This comment is hidden. Click here to view.
Not all kids are loud and obnoxious. I know a 6th grader who is one of the quietest, and smartest people I know. Don't stereotype all kids as loud.
There are like 3 coffee shops per block and Kids under 12 shouldn't be drinking coffee anyway lol