German restaurant imposes 'no children allowed' dinner policy so adults can eat in peace
A restaurant in Germany has imposed a ban on children under the age of 14 after 5 pm. Oma's Küche, which translates to "Grandma’s Kitchen" states that the measure was taken in order to ensure that the diners at the restaurant are allowed to have a peaceful meal without being disturbed by poorly-behaved children in the evenings.
Owner Rudolf Markl said that he came up with this decision after he saw the behavior of children at the restaurant. He realized that parents who are unable to control their children tend to cause disturbance for other customers in the diner. In fact, on one occasion, Rudolf recalled that children caused physical damage to the decor, leaving an antique photo stand broken.
Spilled drinks and torn tablecloths are also some of the common problems that he has faced with the children dining in the restaurant. "We have been thinking about this for a very long time," he told the DPA news agency. "We have somehow reached that point where you say: This just can't go on like this." He further added that the ban is not directed towards the children, but the parents who "acknowledge it with a smile, keep on eating, and don't care at all.”
Rudolf says that with this decision, he hopes that he can make his restaurant, an “oasis of peace” for all the people who visit it. At the same time, he added that this new rule has been taken well by the many people who frequently visit the restaurant. While many people in the country showed their disapproval over this idea, others on the internet thought of this as a brilliant idea.
"Would be great if lot more restaurants did this, children running around a restaurant causing havoc is becoming all too common, great idea," wrote one. Another added, "Excellent idea. PARENTS are the teachers of their children's behavior. We all know that. This is correct. Because public places should not have to suffer from an out of control child who runs wild and disrupts the place where people want to relax and eat."
Some even think that other restaurants should follow the same rule. "I wish a lot more establishments would impose those rules! If people can’t control their kids, they can just stay home. Why should anyone else have to deal with lame parents? It’s embarrassing," another noted. Another chimed in with their personal experience, "I don’t blame them!! I can’t stand going to a restaurant and listening to someone else’s kids screaming!!!"
However, Germany’s Anti-discrimination Office said that Rudolf might have to face some legal actions because of his decisions. “The arguments such as the higher noise level that would disturb the guests are not necessarily enough for a wholesale ban on children below a certain age,” said the office’s head, Bernhard Franke, as reported by News.com.
