The historic Old Crown pub in Birmingham's Digbeth area has drawn a line in the sand, implementing a strict new policy that has customers cheering. The beloved establishment has declared it will no longer tolerate unsupervised children running amok on its premises.
In a social media post that quickly captured public attention, the city's oldest pub made its position crystal clear: "We are not a creche." The bold statement came after staff grew increasingly frustrated with parents allowing their children to roam freely while they enjoyed drinks elsewhere in the venue.
Taking a Stand for Staff and Customers
Landlord David Neligan explained the decision stemmed from genuine concerns about safety and the overall experience for other patrons. "We've had instances where children were left completely unattended while their parents were in different areas of the pub," he revealed. "Our staff shouldn't have to act as babysitters while trying to do their jobs."
The pub, which proudly dates back to 1368, has always welcomed families but insists that parents must maintain responsibility for their children at all times. The new policy explicitly states that adults cannot leave their children unsupervised while they visit other parts of the establishment.
Overwhelming Public Support
Since announcing the policy, The Old Crown has been flooded with positive responses. Social media comments and direct messages have praised the pub's courage in addressing what many see as a growing problem in hospitality venues.
"The support has been incredible," Mr. Neligan noted. "People are thanking us for taking a stand and creating a better environment for everyone. It seems we've given voice to something many other pubs have been struggling with."
A Delicate Balance for Hospitality
The move highlights the ongoing challenge faced by pubs and restaurants trying to balance family-friendliness with maintaining a pleasant atmosphere for all customers. While many establishments welcome children during daytime hours, the issue of supervision remains a sensitive topic.
The Old Crown's approach demonstrates that clear communication and firm boundaries can be effective in managing customer expectations while preserving the venue's character and service standards.
As one regular customer put it: "It's about common sense and respect. Everyone wants to enjoy their time out, and that includes families with children - as long as everyone plays their part."
