A restaurant in California called Old Fisherman’s Grotto has gone where few have dared to tread: they are asking patrons to not bring children to their establishment or risk being asked to leave. Adding to their policy, they offer no special seats for children (boosters or high chairs), nor do they allow strollers inside. It’s posted on a special sign, saying in part, “Children crying or making loud noises are a distraction to other diners, and as such are not allowed in the dining room.”
It’s not really a bad idea.
In a world where inclusion is entering rather controversial territory, some may balk, but think about what we have been doing lately by trying to let everybody in everywhere. There are some things which are exclusive because of their purpose or reputation, and some ideas would not belong there. Would one find Chuck E. Cheese officiating at Tavern on the Green? Would you find a sommelier at In-N-Out Burger? Women, would you want to queue up at a men’s restroom just because a stall or two may be standing empty amongst the urinals (at which somebody may indeed be standing)?
There are plenty of family restaurants which would gladly allow children at any stage of emotional or behavioral development to come and have a nice meal. If it’s a family place, you expect families to go there, and you expect a few wailing babies to emerge.
It isn’t even necessary to go into the subject of irresponsible parents, whose out of control squawkers can indeed ruin a meal anyplace and for everybody, including everybody else’s kids. I remember a restaurant experience in which a family left the table in such a mess, the cleaning crew retched.
One note about the restaurant’s choice of signage: if this particular establishment wants to keep a quiet atmosphere, and be a refuge from rambunctious youngsters for adults (whether or not they have a tolerance for them), why not just put it in writing politely? The verbiage does come off as a bit offensive, even to parents whose kids can handle a finger bowl at age six.
Exclusivity is not always meant to be non-inclusive, but just to be itself. Know what you are getting into before going in the door, or don’t go in.
Susan's Scribblings the Blog 