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'We don't want children annoying our pub diners'

Google Maps The outside of The Chequers, a pub with a pebbledash exterior, five windows and a white front door. There is a chimney in the middle of the roof and it looks like it's in a rural setting. There are picnic benches at the frontGoogle Maps
The Chequers, in Eriswell, Suffolk, reminded pub-goers on social media it was not "child-friendly"

Pub bosses have come under fire after saying they did not want "children running about annoying other diners", "getting into mischief" or "using the table as a drum".

Managers at The Chequers, in The Street, Eriswell, Suffolk, made the comments - which did not go down well with families - in a post on social media that has since been deleted.

In the statement, landlords said the pub was "not child friendly" as it did not have a children's menu, play area, child-safe exterior or baby changing facilities.

The Chequers has now reaffirmed it welcomed "well-behaved children" and said it was forced to post the guidance after "one too many incidents".

Submitted The Chequers' statement which says: "Please note the Chequers is NOT child friendly. We do NOT have a children's menu. We do NOT have baby facilities. We do NOT have an exterior play area. We do NOT have any child safe exterior. We do NOT want children running about annoying other diners. We do NOT want unattended children roaming around the pub getting under the feet of waiting staff, which is extremely hazardous. We do NOT want children picking up the cutlery and using the table as a drum. We do NOT want unattended children going to the rest rooms getting into mischief. If your children do not require or tick any of the above, they are most welcome. Please take the children to an establishment which does accommodate children. We have been managing restaurants, clubs and pubs since 1997 and have never had to publish any of the above."Submitted
A screenshot of the statement published by The Chequers on social media

The post proved controversial among pub-going families in the area, prompting some to consider cancelling reservations.

Jade Hawkins, 27, who lives nearby and has two children, including a disabled daughter, said her "biggest gripe" with the post was how it had been "disgustingly worded", adding it was "aggressive and rude".

"Quite frankly I believe it will impact their business because every parent will have to decide if they think their child would fit the description of being 'well-behaved' enough for their establishment," she said.

"As a parent myself I agree it would be lovely to have somewhere to go without small children but they have drawn attention to themselves and not in a good way.

"Who are they to say what children are good enough and what children aren't? Children are children at the end of the day."

Jade Hawkins Jade Hawkins, who has long hair, nose piercings and a tattoo of a butterfly on her neckJade Hawkins
Mum-of-two Jade Hawkins said she was "disgusted" with the pub's statement

Others, meanwhile, said they agreed with the landlords' stance, saying "a pub should be a place for adults to unwind and enjoy".

The uproar comes after landlord David Worcester, who runs the Lower Red Lion in St Albans, Hertfordshire, caused a row in April after he put out a chalkboard saying: "Dog friendly, child free".

The Chequers refused to comment officially when contacted by the BBC but told followers on social media the decision had been made after "one too many incidents" and reiterated it welcomed "well-behaved" children.

The original statement had said if children did not require any facilities "they are most welcome".

It went on: "[But if they do] please take the children to an establishment which does accommodate children."

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