Bacup pub bans children after wave of complaints
The New Inn in Bacup says under-16s are no longer allowed inside; under-18s must leave by 7:30 p.m., as debate over family access to pubs intensifies.
A Lancashire pub has moved to ban children from its premises after a sustained wave of complaints from customers about youngsters running around and leaving messes unsupervised. The New Inn in Bacup announced on Sunday evening that, starting Monday, no one under 16 would be allowed inside, and anyone under 18 would need to leave by 7:30 p.m. Management said the measure was a last resort, taken after repeatedly dealing with disruption and safety concerns. The policy also applies to the landlords’ own children.
In a statement posted on the pub’s Facebook page, the owners framed the decision as difficult but necessary. They wrote: “This was a hard decision for us as we know there are some great families with kids that do behave. Please bear in mind that we have children of our own, and it will also affect them. This decision has not been made lightly.”
The response to the move has been mixed. Some customers praised the decision as a way to restore a calmer atmosphere for drinkers and staff. One commenter said, “Sorry if this offends anyone, but who takes kids to a pub late anyway? I don’t sit there for hours drinking — my kids would be so bored and do my head in more asking to go home.” Another agreed, adding that parents should be more mindful of supervising their children and the potential hazards of a pub environment. Others argued that pubs should be welcoming to families, while some defended the ban as a correct response to persistent problems.
The Bacup case echoes a previous incident in which a Kent pub, The Wheel Inn, changed its policy to exclude under-14s after a refurbishment, citing an aging customer base seeking a quieter setting. The owners, Mandy Keefe and John Forge, said many patrons appreciated the shift, noting fewer disturbances and a more relaxing environment for those who just want a pint and conversation. Forge remarked that some customers told them they did not want “b*****y kids running about,” underscoring the tension between family access and a more adult-focused atmosphere.
Experts and long-time pub-goers say the debate over whether pubs should be family-friendly reflects broader shifts in dining and drinking culture. Operators increasingly weigh the appeal of family business against the need to maintain a comfortable, predictable setting for regulars who come to unwind. For some patrons, pubs are social hubs where adults can linger with limited interruptions; for others, they remain essential community spaces where children are part of the fabric.
The New Inn’s owners described the policy as a turn-the-cuff decision aimed at preserving a “lovely environment” for customers who rely on a calm, orderly space to enjoy drinks and conversation. They indicated they would continue to monitor the impact of the policy and adjust as needed, including how it affects their own family dynamics within the pub.
As the country’s pub sector grapples with rising costs and changing customer expectations, the Bacup case adds to a growing number of venues re-evaluating how to balance inclusivity with comfort for the core adult audience. While some welcome more controlled, adult-oriented spaces, others warn that excluding families could shrink the venues’ broader community role and potentially affect business in the long term. For now, the New Inn has positioned itself in this ongoing cultural discussion, signaling that the line between family-friendly and adult-focused environments remains a contentious front in the culture and entertainment landscape.