#299 Pint-Sized Problems: Are Child Free Pubs A Good Idea?

The Niall Boylan Podcast (They Told Me To Shut Up)

In this episode, Niall asks, Are child-free pubs a good idea? The debate was sparked by a story from Kent, where a recently renovated village pub banned children under 14, causing both praise and backlash. The pub owners argue that adults deserve a space to relax without the worry of kids running around, while critics say the ban feels exclusionary and takes away family-friendly spaces.

Some callers fully support the idea of child-free pubs. They believe that adults need a peaceful place to unwind, and with plenty of family-friendly venues available, having a space solely for adults is a welcome change. For these callers, it’s about enjoying a drink without worrying about kids being in an inappropriate environment.

Other callers, however, think banning kids from pubs is too extreme. They argue that pubs are community hubs where families should be able to socialize together. As long as children are well-behaved, there’s no harm in letting families enjoy a meal or drink together. For these callers, it’s more about managing behavior than excluding families entirely.

Niall wraps up the episode by acknowledging the diverse opinions, weighing the benefits of adult-only spaces against the importance of inclusivity in community venues.