I have a four-month old baby and had arranged to meet a friend for a drink at the Springvale Tavern at 3pm. I had been there previously with the pushchair in the afternoon and there had been no problem. Today, however, the barman said that he wasn't licensed to have children in the pub. It's the first I hear about having to have a licence for children... We were told the same at the Hadfield. I would understand if it was in the evening but both pubs were practically empty at 3. Does anyone know about the legislation regarding pubs and children?

Its true, pubs do need a licence to have kids in.
Not sure about the times etc though.

its pretty simple, if they dont have a licence they cant have children on the premises at all. i was in the nursery tavern the other day and the bloke next to me had to leave after asking the barstaff to open a gate so he could take the pram round the back. he'd just payed for a round too.

Ooo... the joy of bratless pubs! :D (I'm sure your little cherub is perfect though Sylv :))


It's true what they say though. Pubs need a childrens certificate before brats, sorry, under 18's can be allowed in. Not totally up to speed since the licence changes though.

http://www.culture.gov.uk/alcohol_and_entertainment/licensing_act_2003/children.htm#restricted

It seems from this that unless the licencing authority thinks that a particular pub has dangerous influence or that alcohol is served between 12 - 5am then there should be unrestricted access to children.

When the new license is applied for, the pub is asked if it intends to allow children on the premises or not (it was always discretionary).

If they say 'yes', a whole load of other questions have to be asked and checks made before a "Childrens' Certificate" is issued (see Tony's post).

If they say 'no', their license is issued without a Childrens' Certificate and they are not allowed to admit children. If they wish to admit children at a later date, they will have to re-apply for a variation to their license.

(I believe)

There ARE child friendly pubs in Sheffield tho...just might take a bit of researching!
i believe you can take kids in wetherspoons (specific family area) until 6pm (you might have to be eating tho), the stag on psalter lane is great for kids-you can take them anywhere in the pub (esp if the weather is nice, cos they've got a playground), Psalter Tavern is nice, the Lescar on sharrowvale rd lets kids in the beer garden...not that i'm an alky mum or anything!!

I have a four-month old baby and had arranged to meet a friend for a drink at the Springvale Tavern at 3pm. I had been there previously with the pushchair in the afternoon and there had been no problem. Today, however, the barman said that he wasn't licensed to have children in the pub. It's the first I hear about having to have a licence for children... We were told the same at the Hadfield. I would understand if it was in the evening but both pubs were practically empty at 3. Does anyone know about the legislation regarding pubs and children?

I know from experience that the Landlord of the Hadfield is a Muppet... I lost my wallet in there during a meet last year, I went back in to ask if it had been handed in, and he just kept banging on about there was absolutely NO chance it had been pinched because crime does NOT happen in HIS pub :loopy:

There ARE child friendly pubs in Sheffield tho...just might take a bit of researching!
i believe you can take kids in wetherspoons (specific family area) until 6pm (you might have to be eating tho), the stag on psalter lane is great for kids-you can take them anywhere in the pub (esp if the weather is nice, cos they've got a playground), Psalter Tavern is nice, the Lescar on sharrowvale rd lets kids in the beer garden...not that i'm an alky mum or anything!!
Bankers Draft in town has a family dining area as well :)

Why is this discrimination against mums? There is no law that says if you are a mum, or dad for that matter, that you can't go in a pub.

Why is this discrimination against mums? There is no law that says if you are a mum, or dad for that matter, that you can't go in a pub.

Absolutely - this is discrimination against a 4 month old baby in a pub. :)

Why is this discrimination against mums? There is no law that says if you are a mum, or dad for that matter, that you can't go in a pub.
:D Great answer :D

I think the question has been answered rather well above, so can I just ask...

How did you feel about kids/babies screaming/squawking/running round in pubs before you decided you wanted one?

Do you think that a bikers den/ale house/trendy wine bar is an appropriate venue for a small defenceless person? Or is it only certain premises you wish to take your child on?

:D Great answer :D

I think the question has been answered rather well above, so can I just ask...

How did you feel about kids/babies screaming/squawking/running round in pubs before you decided you wanted one?

Do you think that a bikers den/ale house/trendy wine bar is an appropriate venue for a small defenceless person? Or is it only certain premises you wish to take your child on?

Woah! that's a bit harsh! Your life doesn't have to stop just cos you've had a kid! She was meeting a friend in the afternoon, not dragging her baby out at night. If she wants to meet her friend in a bar or pub then that's her choice! If you don't want to be in a bar with children, then go to one where they don't let kids in at all...in which case you've got a HUGE choice!

It wasn't harsh, it was a genuine question

and anyway - the pubs she's been in don't allow kids, so where does that leave the people who thought they were in a kid free zone? ;)

Bankers Draft in town has a family dining area as well :)

Must be handy for all the single chav mums spending their giro on Bacardi Breezers in there of a lunchtime while little 'un chomps on a Greggs Pastie.

why meet in a pub where you child will inhale passive smoke? If you're breastfeeding, can you drink alcohol?

Why not meet in a cafe, or park, or restaurant? it makes more sense.

Personally, I wouldn't want to take my 4 month old baby to a pub, whether it's child friendly or not.

It wasn't harsh, it was a genuine question

and anyway - the pubs she's been in don't allow kids, so where does that leave the people who thought they were in a kid free zone? ;)

ok, ok, but unless pubs specifically have a sign outside that says "no children allowed" then how are you supposed to know if you can take your kid in unless you go in and ask or get asked to leave?!

I have a 6 year old & I like being able to take him in a bar on occasion. If I'm not with him, I go somewhere without kids for a break! :D

Because ignorance is no defence in the eyes of the law, and it's law that governs whether kids are allowed in or not :rolleyes:

I have a dog. We are obliged to ask whether we are permitted to bring him in or not, as places that serve food are not always licenced for dogs to be on the premises

[QUOTE=jen13kd]why meet in a pub where you child will inhale passive smoke? If you're breastfeeding, can you drink alcohol?

Your child won't necessarily be passively smoking...most areas you can take children in are no smoking or outside, some pubs are completely smoke free-like the Stag.

Plus, who says you have to have an alcoholic drink?! What if you're meeting friends who don't have kids/aren't breast feeding?

Because ignorance is no defence in the eyes of the law, and it's law that governs whether kids are allowed in or not :rolleyes:

I have a dog. We are obliged to ask whether we are permitted to bring him in or not, as places that serve food are not always licenced for dogs to be on the premises

I agree, it's just that unless you ask you don't know! She's obviously a new mum who doesn't know the law regarding children in pubs, which I guess is why she was asking about it on the forum!:D

I suppose, but if it was me, I wouldn't want to go into a pub with my baby.

Everyone's different though and that's what is so wonderful about life.....

I suppose, but if it was me, I wouldn't want to go into a pub with my baby.

Everyone's different though and that's what is so wonderful about life.....


YEP!!:thumbsup:

I thought it was down to the landlord's discretion. I thought the law stated that children over 14 were allowed at any time at the landlord's discretion, provided they were not seated at the bar, or drinking alcohol and all children were allowed, at the landlord's discretion, if they were seated out of the main bar area, or even in the main bar area, if they were consuming food.

I'd be inclined to look for a pub that had no smoking areas or areas where you can sit outside.
Passive smoking:nono:

It may well have changed since I held a licence, but it used to be that a baby under one year old wasn't classed as a child, and was allowed in any premises with a guardian. Child restrictions apply as they get older.

As a parent of two young girls and someone who 'likes to go to pubs', I feel some clarity is needed here. Yes, there are times when I want to go in a pub with my kids and there are certainly times when I want the solitude of a kid-free environment.

If I'm with the family and I'm not sure what policy the pub has regarding kids, then I go in and ask a member of staff beforehand. This saves the embarrassment of being told to leave once you've all settled down at a table with drinks and crisps. On the other hand, I know of a few pubs in Sheffield that are fine with kids.

Unfortunately though, this has led to some problems. The Beer Engine in Orchard Square - now the Museum - has changed its policy from being child friendly to not allowing kids on the premises. At least they clearly state that they don't have a children's licence. We go to RSVP instead in more instances.

Sheffield city centre is, on the whole, not kid friendly pubwise. In York it's the other way round with the majority of pubs allowing kids in till around 7pm whether eating or not.

Some time ago I devised a scheme which the big breweries could easily incorporate to give the whole kids-allowed-or-not? argument some clarity.

By the front door to each pub, next to the hours of business (which aren't always stated) there should be a traffic light sign which reads:

RED CIRCLE - No kids allowed (ever, at anytime. There. Now go home!);

ORANGE CIRCLE - Kids allowed but under certain conditions. This could be only if they're eating or up to a certain time. The hours should be displayed in the circle 'Up to 7pm' for example.

GREEN CIRCLE - Kids' licence - Children allowed on the premises. Again, if this should be to a certain hour this could be written in the circle as above (orange).

This would be easy and cheap to introduce; everyone knows where they stand before they make fools of themselves.

Then, it would be a task of mine to list all those pubs with red circles and enjoy visiting them in the knowledge that the Scampi Fries are all mine....,

i would have thought that no child licence would mean no need for child specific insurance cover, so if little Chardonnay slipped on lemeon slice the landlord would be personally liable.


ousetunes - the reason york pubs allow children in is because it's a tourist attraction.people go there with children sightseeing - the pubs just want to fleece some more visitors that's all, they aren't doing it to be child friendly.

I was never allowed in pubs as a kid. Have some great memories sitting on the front steps at the Admiral Rodney when it was a propper pub and had the beer-off selling bottles of pop n stuff :D

You can take kids in Bar Matrix (behind Debenhams) and they have a huge fish tank which keeps them entertained.

why meet in a pub where you child will inhale passive smoke? If you're breastfeeding, can you drink alcohol?

Yes, you can breastfeed and drink alcohol and I do both. As long as you're sensible about it!

If anyone does know of any pubs that do allow babies in (with no smoking area) could they either PM me or post a list as I'm struggling to find places for a drink when baby's asleep, as I'm new to this parenting stuff!

Ta! :D

Must be handy for all the single chav mums spending their giro on Bacardi Breezers in there of a lunchtime while little 'un chomps on a Greggs Pastie.

Thats just snobbery, I walk past nonnas on eccy road every afternoon where all the toff mums are out in their jimmy choos downing chilled chardonney while little Tarquin chomps on a pain au chocolat from the patiserie next door :hihi:

By the front door to each pub, next to the hours of business (which aren't always stated)...


the new licensing act that came into force last november mandates that _every_ licensed premises _must_ display their Premises Licence Summary in a prominent and accessible location on the outside of their premises.

the "opening" hours for that premises are an integral part of this Premises Licence Summary and would be able to indicate to you the opening hours.

You need a licence to allow children under 18 in a pub. Even if they aren't drinking. And I'm glad.

I don't want to share a pub with a bunch of crying children and chavs trying to get served. So I go to pubs where only over 18's are allowed.

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and information about pubs and children. It's sad that people always jump to conclusions though - yes, I do breastfeed but you don't have to drink alcohol in a pub. I don't smoke and wouldn't unnecessarily expose my baby to smoke which is why we chose to go at 3 pm when the pubs are generally empty. As to all those people looking for "brat-free" pubs, my baby is very well-behaved. I wouldn't go in a pub (which wasn't "family-friendly") with a toddler running around or disturbing other people.
The Springvale Tavern happens to be the nearest venue in walking distance from my house - there are two cafes where I live but both are smoking. The only other alternative was to take the bus into town (£3) or stay at home, which we did in the end, but it is something I do quite a lot anyway with a young baby. And for those sharps wits saying that it's not discrimination against mums but against young babies, please let me know who looks after your children when you go out.

And for those sharps wits saying that it's not discrimination against mums but against young babies, please let me know who looks after your children when you go out.

I either go to what I consider a child friendly environment. Or my babysitter looks after my child if I want to go for a drink with friends.

please let me know who looks after your children when you go out.

I think their point is that you don't go out once you have children. You stay at home rearing them on home-baked garden-grown food, until your children are grown up, presumably. You bad, bad mother, you. Obviously, those posts are written by people who don't have children themselves.

I either go to what I consider a child friendly environment. Or my babysitter looks after my child if I want to go for a drink with friends.

I think the OP's point was that, having been to the Springfield Tavern previously with the push-chair, she did think it was a child-friendly environment..... the middle of the afternoon for a quiet orange juice with a girl friend is hardly taking the precious one to a den of iniquity, is it?

And for those sharps wits saying that it's not discrimination against mums but against young babies, please let me know who looks after your children when you go out.

It was me who said it wasn't discrimination against mums.

And we do have a 10 month old baby. Yes it is a problem, I agree.

But I also agree that, if a pub wants to have a no children policy, fair enough. I hate it when kids are in pubs screaming and basically causing nuisance. You have to think of others peace.

I think the OP's point was that, having been to the Springfield Tavern previously with the push-chair, she did think it was a child-friendly environment..... the middle of the afternoon for a quiet orange juice with a girl friend is hardly taking the precious one to a den of iniquity, is it?


too bloody right.
as a child of who was for a while a single mum of two on the poverty line (musician) I am all too aware of snobberies when it comes to parenting. I think in your circumstances Sylv it was probably up to the bartenders discretion in reality. Different bartenders often equal different rules. The nicest pubs up on Crookesmoore are the Closed Shop and the Hallamshire House but I have no idea what policies they have on children. I go to them because they don't have a habit of filling up with underaged football hooligans (I'm such an old man)

Personally I think the rot set in when they started allowing women in pubs, never mind children...................:hihi:

I think the OP's point was that, having been to the Springfield Tavern previously with the push-chair, she did think it was a child-friendly environment..... the middle of the afternoon for a quiet orange juice with a girl friend is hardly taking the precious one to a den of iniquity, is it?

TBH - I actually forgot the part in the original post about having previously been in before. Apologies - mummymush for brains, cos' IMO that makes this more about the inconsistent rules in this one pub and not should you be able to take a kid in a pub.

Some pubs allow kids in and some don't and that's good for all isn't it? I don't see why all pubs should allow kids in. But again that's not the point, the point is this pub can't make it's mind up.

I take my toddler into dens of iniquity for Sunday lunch.

I think SHsheff was referring to the "higher-than-thou" attitude of some of the posters in this thread.

I think SHsheff was referring to the "higher-than-thou" attitude of some of the posters in this thread.

Well my original comment was a throw-away comment and not higher-than-thou. I think it's getting taken out of context.

I know it can be a pain in the bum thinking of child-friendly places but hey-ho it's part of the deal of having a kid.

Personally I think the rot set in when they started allowing women in pubs, never mind children

Is that the hovis theme playing in the background

Personally I think the rot set in when they started allowing women in pubs, never mind children...................:hihi:

Pfft.. Only somebody from Barnsley could think that... :rolleyes:

Must be handy for all the single chav mums spending their giro on Bacardi Breezers in there of a lunchtime while little 'un chomps on a Greggs Pastie.

Um, not all single parents are chavs... They may be single for reasons which you don't know about :loopy:

why meet in a pub where you child will inhale passive smoke? If you're breastfeeding, can you drink alcohol?

Yes, you can breastfeed and drink alcohol and I do both. As long as you're sensible about it!

If anyone does know of any pubs that do allow babies in (with no smoking area) could they either PM me or post a list as I'm struggling to find places for a drink when baby's asleep, as I'm new to this parenting stuff!

Ta! :D

Rising Sun at Nether Green is smoke free and does a great range of beers including Erdinger Alcohol free which is superb. The Chequers at Coal Aston also has a very large no smoking area which seems to work as neither my wife or I smell of smoke after we've visited it. Not sure about the childrens policy at the RS but Chequers has a Wacky Warehouse so its a free for all :hihi:

I have a four-month old baby and had arranged to meet a friend for a drink at the Springvale Tavern at 3pm. I had been there previously with the pushchair in the afternoon and there had been no problem. Today, however, the barman said that he wasn't licensed to have children in the pub. It's the first I hear about having to have a licence for children... We were told the same at the Hadfield. I would understand if it was in the evening but both pubs were practically empty at 3. Does anyone know about the legislation regarding pubs and children?

Just part of having a kid I'm afraid. There are loads of pubs that don't allow children in. It can be a pain, but fair's fair, if they say you can't come in, it's their choice. And you can't blame them really, when you see places like Wetherspoons and their 'fun factories' - well, that's the nearest to hell on earth that I've ever come!

I'm with Ousetunes - have clearly-identifiable labelling somewhere outside (preferably visible from the road) so that all parties can be sure before they enter what the 'child-status' is.

It'd encourage those people with children to stop and enter if they felt welcome, and conversely it'd enable those wanting some adult time to stop for a drink because they knew they'd be safely brat-free.

Win/win!

Can we have a list of baby friendly pubs that doesn't simply consist of chain pubs like wetherspoons etc please.... ? And yes it drives me up the wall when places don't make it clear whether they are child friendly or not, there's nothing so demoralising as trooping round the centre of town asking whether they will accept a baby.

As to other points about going to pubs with kids,

1. Whats so terrible about having a pint whilst with your children.....? You telling me that people are teetotal around their kids at home too?

2.Most places have non-smoking areas

3.Some places do have a very discretionary, and therefore hard to comprehend policy on children, the Broomhill Tav for one

4.Baby's are very different to small kids as by and large they do not run around screaming annoying other people.

5. Since becoming a parent I really miss going to pubs during the daytime....Yes I can out in the evening when my partner can look after the kids but its very different at that time of night and not at all the same.

To answer your question, the wetherspoons next to RSVP in the town centre allows children in and its a no smoking venue.

I have visited this pub for lunch with my children to meet family before.

Got slightly peeved when the museum in orchard square changed their license. They used to allow children to sit in the outdoor seating area and have food/drink with accompanying adults. Now thats even banned. Interestingly enough if the children in question stand one brick over the line they are not on pub premises so cannot be moved on ;)

Thanks to everyone for their thoughts and information about pubs and children. It's sad that people always jump to conclusions though - yes, I do breastfeed but you don't have to drink alcohol in a pub. I don't smoke and wouldn't unnecessarily expose my baby to smoke which is why we chose to go at 3 pm when the pubs are generally empty. As to all those people looking for "brat-free" pubs, my baby is very well-behaved. I wouldn't go in a pub (which wasn't "family-friendly") with a toddler running around or disturbing other people.
The Springvale Tavern happens to be the nearest venue in walking distance from my house - there are two cafes where I live but both are smoking. The only other alternative was to take the bus into town (£3) or stay at home, which we did in the end, but it is something I do quite a lot anyway with a young baby. And for those sharps wits saying that it's not discrimination against mums but against young babies, please let me know who looks after your children when you go out.

I would prefer it if more pubs had signs outside letting you know if children are allowed because tbh I don’t want to have a relaxing drink when there are children around

I want to go to a pub to relax around adults

If you want to take your children to pubs that’s your choice but I have made a conscious decision not to become a parent because I do enjoy the fact I can go out to the pub where ever, when ever I want

There is nothing worse than going into a pub for a quite drink or something to eat and finding it full of little brats running around screaming, filling nappies, throwing paddies and spilling drinks everywhere. As well as being a (regular!) patron of pubs I also work in one, dealing with the aftermath of a family after they have eaten is awful. Tables plastered with food, high chairs sticky with baby food, food all over the floor and trodden into the carpets and thats just the considerate ones who make some sort of effort not to leave the place looking like a bombsite. What we really need is a return to the good old childrens room with lino floors and easy wipe furniture and stopping children being in the bar area!

Sorry for having a rant bit of a pet hate of mine!

As a mum myself i found it really hard trying to get anywhere with my boy (now nearly 2).
I do like a drink myself if i'm meeting a mate for a catch up ( not something i get the chance to do very often) i do find that the best places to go are weatherspoons but in my experience it's best to avoid pubs, as even if your child is an absolute angel, you still get looks from people and can feel their contempt, like they are all innocents themselves.
I've now taken to meeting mates for a coffee or for a meal and we tend to go to places like Nandos or Jumbo - they are usually really good with kids in there.
It is a shame that most places/people frown upon parents who are still trying to have somekind of life.
As far as babysitters go, can anyone reccommend a good one? Neither me nor my fella have a good local one and our families live too far out to come and sit for a couple hours.

[I have a dog. We are obliged to ask whether we are permitted to bring him in or not, as places that serve food are not always licenced for dogs to be on the premises[/QUOTE]

Hear Hear. I was in a pub last night with hubby and our two friends, one of our friends is registered blind and therfore has a guide dog. We politely asked if our dog (*Non guide dog!) was welcomed and yes she was. The two dogs were as good as gold and you wouldn't have known they were there, shame the same couldn't be said for the kids that were standing on the seats, fighting and wresting.