Restaurant to Screaming Kids' Parents: We Won't Put Up With It

By: Amanda Cochran
Topics: Infants ,; Toddlers

(Credit: iStockphoto.com)

(CBS/AP) The owner of a coastal North Carolina restaurant is fed up with screaming children who bother other diners.

So Brenda Armes has posted signs at Olde Salty restaurant in Carolina Beach that read "screaming children will not be tolerated." She told WECT-TV in Wilmington that the signs have worked by attracting more customers than they turn away.

Customer Gary Gibson agrees, saying he likes the signs because a meal isn't enjoyable when kids are screaming.

But a mother of two, Ashley Heflin, says parents can't help it if their children scream.

If a child is screaming, Armes says a restaurant employee will ask the parent to take them outside. They won't be asked to leave the restaurant for good.

But in Brooklyn, N.Y., one establishment has banned babies entirely. According to The Gothamist, a New York news blog, the Double Windsor bar doesn't permit kids after 5 p.m. They posted a sign recently that reads, "No one under 21 years of age allowed after 5 p.m. ... Don't get us wrong, we love kids (especially yours)."

What do you think of this measures -- are they fair to parents? Let us know what you think.

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by fair65 September 28, 2010 2:28 PM EDT: I do feel for parents with sp children. It is a huge job that these parents have and with issues like this coming up it doesn't make it any easier on them. Still the issue of not allowing children, isolating families or any type of discrimination for having a child is just crazy to me.
And to the person who says take your kids to Burger King. God Bless You.
I hope things in your life are absolutely perfect. I am happy to go any place you are not at.; Reply to this comment


by fair65 September 28, 2010 10:11 AM EDT: Can we be fair here. Are we really going to blame the "children" or should we be putting the blame on the parents?
I have one child who knows very well how to act in a restuarant, a plane or anywhere else for that matter and that's because we taught manners at a very early age. We have had many servers, flight attentants and others compliment us on our child's manners. I travel very often with her and would never be made to sit in a family section only on an airplane. I don't want to sit next to children who kick my seat or scream and I do watch as parents sit and do nothing at all. But I do not blame the kids.; Reply to this comment


by mwh81 September 28, 2010 9:12 AM EDT: I think these establishments need to rethink their policies. If they're not going to tolerate screaming kids, then they shouldn't allow food lovers to eat at the all you can eat buffet. Alot of the people that go out to eat these days are people that have kids and don't have time tocook at homebecause they're always on the go. The only people that don't like it are the people who don't have kids. If they did, then they would understand how the parents feel when their children act up in these kind of places.; Reply to this comment


by barbaram99 September 15, 2010 1:35 AM EDT: It is appalling that parents with sp needs children are told they can't bring their children to the place of business. Years ago I would go out to eat and the waitstaff would talk to him in the 3rd person. I put a stop to it fast. I am a blind person and I have a mind so address me I told them. I was told years ago I could not go business as they did not want to see a blind person. Too bad I have to do my business. That parent of the sp needs children have every right to take them out. We are everywhere.They should be welcome and not have to put up with rude remarks. I would not have allowed that remark.; Reply to this comment


by NoMoreBabysPlease September 14, 2010 9:30 AM EDT: Hats off to the proprietor!!!
Babies not allowed!
Go to Burger King or the like.; Reply to this comment


by bornahawkeye September 13, 2010 4:34 PM EDT: Parents of today are not trying to be parents, but their childrens friend. The children are bought, not raised. Ipods, cell phones, birthday parties at expensive eateries or fun plex's. Hello, do we see a trend here. And heaven forbid if a youngster is held accountable for his/her actions. I'm a Grandma of one of these children, and I won't tolerate the misbehaving as such. My groceries or dinner can wait. If I made the decision to bring her with me, and she acts out, then I need to make it my responsibility to take her out. I should know better than to ruin someone elses dinner, movie, or shopping. These parents need to realize their job as a parent. They are not doing themselves or their kids any good by allowing such actions to get out of hand.; Reply to this comment


by janelyb September 13, 2010 4:12 PM EDT: This is the same place that told my friend this: Talked to the manager who straight out said our children with disabilities are not welcome in her restaurant and she was surprised that even we take them out of the house.
That was back in August when there was a major event going on in that area that weekend.; Reply to this comment


by knowerseeker September 13, 2010 3:25 PM EDT: I'm the father of a 3 year old (with developmental issues, so he acts 2-ish; we're seeking professional help for him) and a 1 year old, but I guess I would be ok with restaurants dividing themselves into those that accept (small) children and those that don't. I don't allow my 3 year old to scream (though he might cry a bit after I take him to the bathroom or vehicle to spank him), but there is little I can do about my 1 year old screaming except to try to appease whatever he wants (usually food), since my wife and I feel he is too young to spank or punish otherwise. I certainly understand people getting irritated with parents who let their older children run amok, however. I guess this is just a gray area that needs to be considered carefully.; Reply to this comment


by FoolKiller September 13, 2010 12:44 PM EDT: When parents appear "oblivious" to their children's behavior, it's generally just that they are happier that their children are bothering you than them.; Reply to this comment


by FoolKiller September 13, 2010 12:44 PM EDT: When parents appear ?oblivious? to their children?s behavior, it?s generally just that they are happier that their children are bothering you than them. Sad but true.; Reply to this comment