Hackney's Kenton Arms Implements Total Ban on Children After Unsupervised Incidents
The Kenton Arms, a popular pub located near Victoria Park in Hackney, has made headlines by instituting a comprehensive ban on children from its premises. This decision marks a significant shift from the establishment's previous policy, which only enforced a 5pm curfew for minors.
Scandinavian-Style Pub Takes Firm Stance
Operated by Norwegian owners and renowned for its distinctive bright yellow exterior, the Kenton Arms announced its new no children policy over the weekend via an Instagram statement. The pub clarified that the issue stems not from children themselves, but from inadequate parental supervision leading to disruptions.
This is on account of unsupervised children running amok and disturbing other drinkers, the statement explained. This is not about having a problem with children. The issue is when they are not supervised properly, disturb others and have a HSE impact on customers and staff.
Owner Cites Confrontational Incidents
Pub owner Egil Johansen, who has managed The Kenton Arms since 2009, detailed specific incidents that prompted the policy change in an interview with Metro. Another issue is when staff politely ask parents to supervise their children, Johansen stated. But when staff approach parents, they're often met with confrontation, as if we've done something wrong. It creates an uncomfortable situation for staff, because at the end of the day, we can't be responsible for other people's children.
Industry-Wide Challenges and Positive Reception
Johansen reported that the reaction to the new policy has been amazing, with numerous messages from other pub owners seeking advice about implementing similar measures. I have received a lot of messages from other pub owners asking for advice about how this new rule has worked, because they're considering putting similar measures in place, he said. A lot of them are facing the same challenges.
While a pub in Leyton introduced a children's curfew last year after complaints about resembling a creche, The Kenton Arms' policy represents one of the first outright bans on under-18s at all hours in London's hospitality scene.
Background and Recognition
The Kenton Arms holds notable recognition, having been voted the Most Loved Pub in London in the Time Out Love London Awards back in 2015. This recent policy change reflects evolving challenges in managing family-friendly spaces within adult-oriented establishments.
The decision underscores broader tensions in the hospitality industry between accommodating families and maintaining environments suitable for adult patrons, particularly when supervision issues arise.
