Fed-up customers have lamented \u201cunruly, unsupervised brats\u201d running amok in pub gardens – as one venue threatens to ban under-12s.<\/p>\n
The hosts of The Market Inn in Faversham say youngsters have been pulling up pot plants, throwing stones, climbing over furniture, intruding into bat and trap areas and barging into customers.<\/p>\n
Tim and Lacey Stowell, who run the Market Inn in Faversham<\/p>\n
In a post on the pub\u2019s Facebook page, landlord Tim Stowell writes: \u201cSorry to moan, however, it is becoming more and more frequent that parents are not watching or looking after their children while in the pub.\u201d<\/p>\n
He describes a variety of poor behaviours, adding: \u201cIf parents are not willing to look after their children, we will make it a 12-and-over pub at all times. It’s not down to our team to supervise your children.\u201d<\/p>\n
A similar appeal for better parental control came recently from the hosts of The Anchor pub in the town.<\/p>\n
Although not threatening a ban on children, landlord Mark Revell says he is sad to have to draw attention to the issue.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t believe we\u2019re having to write this so early in the year,\u201d he posted on the pub\u2019s Facebook page.<\/p>\n
The garden of The Anchor pub in Faversham, where “unruly” children have been running amok<\/p>\n
\u201cUnfortunately, we\u2019ve had a few incidents where children have been allowed to pick, snap, and pull out plants in our garden.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mr Revell said this includes leaves being pulled from their Japanese Acer, which was planted in memory of his partner Paige\u2019s dad.<\/p>\n
\u201cAs you can imagine, this is very upsetting,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe kindly ask all parents and guardians to please supervise children at all times and respect our garden space.\u201d<\/p>\n
Drew Cassell, manager of The Anchor, told KentOnline that he backed the owners\u2019 message.<\/p>\n
The pub garden of the Market Inn in Faversham, where parents have allowed their children to run amok<\/p>\n
\u201cThey have raised concerns because it\u2019s just not acceptable for parents to allow their children to run around, out of control, causing damage,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
The Market Inn, owned by Shepherd Neame, is run by Tim and Lacey Stowell, who also have the Bear Inn in the town.<\/p>\n
Both social media posts have sparked dozens of comments, with most people lamenting the deterioration in children\u2019s behaviour and parenting and supporting a ban.<\/p>\n
The Stowells have declined to comment further but received overwhelming support from those responding on their post, as have the hosts of The Anchor.<\/p>\n
Nothing worse than kids running around and being feral when you\u2019re trying to have a nice drink\u2026<\/p>\n
\u201cParenting has deteriorated greatly over the past few years,\u201d wrote John Walker.<\/p>\n
\u201cQuite often glued to their mobiles while their kids run riot. Most people do not want unruly, unsupervised brats running around while enjoying a social drink with family and friends.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cNothing worse than kids running around and being feral when you\u2019re trying to have a nice drink,\u201d said Ally Andrews.<\/p>\n
Caz Carey commented: \u201cIf you choose to have a child, the least you can do is to teach it basic manners and consideration for others. If you cannot do that, I don\u2019t want to drink where you do.\u201d<\/p>\n
Replying to The Market Inn\u2019s post, Jacqui Clark said: \u201cSuch a shame you have to write this, as you have created a lovely, welcoming pub for the community to enjoy, always with a smile on your face.\u201d<\/p>\n
But Stacey Ferguson was less supportive of a ban.<\/p>\n
\u201cI understand the concerns about children needing supervision, but I also have to say the post feels quite unwelcoming,\u201d she says.<\/p>\n
\u201cFrom the picture, it doesn\u2019t look like there\u2019s anything particularly child-focused to attract kids anyway, just grass and fencing. It\u2019s made me reconsider visiting.\u201d<\/p>\n
Mandy Keefe and John Forge, Owners of The Wheel Inn, that has banned children under the age of 14 from entering the pub, Ashford, Kent. October 10, 2024. Release date – October 11, 2024.<\/p>\n