Adults-Only Policies in Fine Dining: A Necessity or Overstating Common Sense?

Is it a sensible policy to have an adults-only policy in fine dining restaurants to avoid the disruptions caused by unruly children?

Why Children Don't Belong in Fine Dining

There is a common belief that young children do not belong in fine dining establishments. Restaurants that cater to adults understand the need for a serene and sophisticated environment where patrons can enjoy their meals and engage in meaningful conversations without interruption.

Real-world Experiences and Annoyance

Unfortunately, not all parents exhibit this common sense. Too often, I find myself in a charming restaurant, only to be rendered uncomfortable and unable to enjoy my meal because of loud and disruptive children running around and screaming. This situation often forces me to leave, packing up my expensive dinner, in the hope of maintaining my sanity.

Personal Annoyance and Venue Experience

My husband and I used to treat our anniversary and Valentine's Day dinners at a fine restaurant as a big splurge. The atmosphere was dimly lit with a large bar and a fireplace, making it an ideal place for adults to savor their food and engage in meaningful discussions. However, on the last visit, we were subjected to the noise and chaos caused by parents bringing in screaming toddlers who ignored the commotion around them.

My headache began to worsen, and we decided to leave as quickly as possible, along with many others. The evening was a nightmare for everyone present, and we never went back. Although the restaurant could not control the behavior of its patrons, we were not willing to spend that much money on an experience marred by such disruptions. The staff, too, had to go through a difficult night.

Since that experience, we have decided to cook at home, as we are childless and can ensure a pleasant evening without the fear of encountering disruptive children. This situation highlights the need for some fine dining venues to implement an adults-only policy.

More Options for Parents

There are alternative options for parents of young children, such as carry-out delivery, hiring babysitters, or visiting restaurants with kids' menus. These alternatives cater to the needs of families and ensure that everyone can enjoy their dining experience.

The Disconnect Between Fine Dining and Child Behavior

One might argue that in finer dining establishments, children are more well-behaved. However, my extensive experience working in five-star, five-diamond restaurants, hotels, and a Michelin 3-star restaurant over 20 years has shown that adults are often the greatest disruptors. While I have served countless children in these settings, I can hardly recall any instance where a child acted out.

The most raucous and disruptive behavior often comes from adults, regardless of the caliber of the dining establishment. Therefore, it is not necessarily an overstatement to implement an adults-only policy in fine dining venues to ensure a serene and sophisticated dining experience for all patrons.

In conclusion, the need for adults-only policies in fine dining restaurants is often driven by the reality of disrupting behavior from parents, rather than a lack of common sense from patrons. Implementing such policies can help maintain the atmosphere and experience that fine dining establishments strive to provide.