Pub landlords say they are being pushed to breaking point after customers complained about children running wild in beer gardens while parents “look the other way”.
A growing debate has erupted across Britain’s pub scene after several landlords warned they may ban children from pubs following repeated complaints about damage, disruption, and poor behaviour in pub gardens.
The Market Inn in Faversham, Kent, says it is considering becoming an over-12s venue after youngsters were accused of tearing up plants, throwing stones, and barging into customers while parents failed to supervise them.
In a blunt social media post, landlord Tim Stowell admitted the situation was becoming increasingly frustrating for staff and customers alike.
“If parents are not willing to look after their children, we will make it a 12-and-over pub at all times.”
Another nearby venue, The Anchor pub in Faversham, also publicly appealed for parents to take more responsibility after children were accused of damaging plants and disturbing customers in the beer garden.
Landlord Mark Revell described how leaves had been ripped from a Japanese acer tree planted in memory of his partner’s father, calling the incidents upsetting and unnecessary.
“We spend a lot of time and money on the garden to make it nice for customers and all we are asking is for a little bit of respect.”
The debate has sparked strong reactions online, with many pubgoers supporting stricter rules around children in pubs and criticising what they see as declining parenting standards.
Others, however, argue that pubs should remain family-friendly and warn that blanket bans could damage the welcoming atmosphere many locals value.
The issue is becoming increasingly common across Britain as more pubs invest heavily in outdoor seating areas, beer gardens, and community spaces during the busy summer months.
Some venues have already introduced age restrictions. In 2024, The Wheel Inn near Ashford banned under-14s entirely as landlords aimed to create what they described as an “adult-only environment”.
The story has reignited a wider national conversation around pub etiquette, parenting, and whether traditional pubs should prioritise family-friendly spaces or quieter adult environments.
Should pubs ban unsupervised children from beer gardens, or should pubs remain fully family-friendly? Let us know your thoughts.
