can you believe this?

[davidpizzica]

A restruant in a Pittsburgh suburb of Monroeville wants to ban children six and under from coming in there. He says that doesn't have anything against children, but I guess he doesn't that parents can handle at that age or under while there. He says it isn"t against the law, but i think it might discriminate. What do you think?

[NicoleLJ]

Having been a waitress in my younger years I can totally understand this concept. I am not totally sure if it would be disgrimination because many bars that also are restraunts do not allow children either. When I was waitressing I really appreciated parents that had taught their children manners. But to be honest they were in the minority. Most parents would go to the place I worked and just let their kids run wild. Bothering other patrons and leaving a huge mess and usually little to no tip. The regular arguement we waitresses had was that we were paid to serve food, take care of drinks and needs and clean up a reasonable amount of mess. We were not there to spend a half hour cleaning up after a food fight, or falling over children as we walk around with a tray of drinks, or have food smeared on us or thrown at us. So yup I can see why they would want to do this.

[Edwina's Secretary]

Yes, it is discriminatory.

Just as a restaurant that only serve fish discriminates against non-fish eaters. Or vegan restaurants discriminate against people who want to eat meat. That does not make it illegal.

Amusement parks discriminate when they establish a minimum height for rides.

Bars discriminate when they say you must be 21 to enter.

Stores discriminate when they post "no shoes, no shirts, no service."

Discrimination is not illegal. Certain discrimination is.

I have read the restaurant is getting overwhelming support.

[Karen]

I believe it. It is not a public building, therefore he can set his own rules, and I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be allowed to ban children under a certain age. If parents really want to go there, they can hire a babysitter. There is no way we can legislate socially responsible parenting, so it is his decision, and his business.

[happylabs]

I often have said when out to dinner at a restaurant that there should be a section especially for people with children, or, a quiet zone. I'm sorry but parents these days do not seem to discipline their children. When my kids were little we always took them with us but they were well behaved. We sat and talked with them and did activities with them. These days it seems parents are distracted by cell phones. There is nothing worse than trying to have a quiet meal out at a restaurant and having to listen to someone's child whining, screaming, etc. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

[moosmom]

I often have said when out to dinner at a restaurant that there should be a section especially for people with children, or, a quiet zone. I'm sorry but parents these days do not seem to discipline their children. When my kids were little we always took them with us but they were well behaved. We sat and talked with them and did activities with them. These days it seems parents are distracted by cell phones. There is nothing worse than trying to have a quiet meal out at a restaurant and having to listen to someone's child whining, screaming, etc. That's my story and I'm sticking to it!

Amen!!

[Edwina's Secretary]

...It is not a public building, therefore he can set his own rules,...

It still falls under public accomodations so there are limits on the rules he can set about who he will serve. He cannot, for instance, refuse to serve anyone who is Irish or of Irish descent. Or Baptists. Or Chinese.

But having children is not a "protected class."

I get tired of everybody screaming "Discrimination" all the time. Of course people discriminate and, unless it is illegal discrimination the government cannot come in and tell you how to run your business.

[Lady's Human]

It still falls under public accomodations so there are limits on the rules he can set about who he will serve. He cannot, for instance, refuse to serve anyone who is Irish or of Irish descent. Or Baptists. Or Chinese.

How about French? Can he refuse to serve them? Damned surrender monkeys. (I kid, I kid)

[lizbud]

It still falls under public accomodations so there are limits on the rules he can set about who he will serve. He cannot, for instance, refuse to serve anyone who is Irish or of Irish descent. Or Baptists. Or Chinese.

Or Gay.

There was a case in Indy where a Gay group order a tray of cookies at the city market. They wanted the cookies decorated with rainbow colored sprinkles. (It was to celebrate some Gay event in the city) The store owner
refused their order because he didn't want to "endorse" their event.

The shop got so much bad press I think they changed their mind, but by
then the group bought their cookies elsewhere.

[lvpets2002]

I so totaly Agree with Karen.. It is the owners right.. Now there are plenty of children places out there to eat at like McDonalds & CiCi's Pizza.. Hire a babysitter if you want to go to this place..

I believe it. It is not a public building, therefore he can set his own rules, and I don't see any reason why he shouldn't be allowed to ban children under a certain age. If parents really want to go there, they can hire a babysitter. There is no way we can legislate socially responsible parenting, so it is his decision, and his business.

[Randi]

I agree, there's nothing worse than going out for a nice meal and having it ruined by screaming, ill behaved children. It simply ruins the evening if you're not able to have a conversation with the friends you're with.

It's funny how different children behave in different countries... the French and Spanish children are going out to restaurants with their parents all the time and there's no problems with them.

Children should of course be able to go to restaurants, but I think it would be a good idea if they had separate rooms for families with noisy children.

[pomtzu]

It's really no different in the end, than what the owner of Geno's Steaks in Philadelphia did. See the pic of the sign in his window. It went to court - but I believe he won and the sign is still there.
He has a point tho. If his immigrant family learned the language and went on to be successful, then why can't others at least learn enough to just get by?
Okay - somewhat off topic, but if you own an establishment, don't you have the right to make the rules? I sure don't know.