One restaurant refuses to serve children, and as a reminder, it’s illegal

Are you for or against banning certain establishments for children? Here we are again for a round of debate! In the middle of the Christmas market, a famous restaurant in Ribeauvillé in the Haut-Rhin has refused to welcome the little ones, following bad experiences.

If the practice is illegal, it doesn’t just attract criticism. While many people are outraged by this discrimination, others strongly encourage such decisions.

What does the law say about refusing children in certain restaurants?

Last week, a well-known restaurant in Ribeauvillé displayed the peremptory sentence on the front door: “ No children. Thank you. “. The manager of the establishment justified his decision by the behavior of the vast majority of children who frequent his restaurant. Screams, demotions, runs, these little monsters would however be impossible to reformulate without attracting the wrath of their parents.

We remind you that this practice is absolutely prohibited. According to article 225-2 of the Criminal Code: refuse to supply a good or service to someone because of on the basis of their origin, their gender, their family situation, their pregnancy (…) it is discriminatory and punishable by a fine of 45,000 euros and 3 years’ imprisonment.

Legally, it is forbidden to refuse to provide a service to a customer, except for legitimate reasons. For example, in the event of a full restaurant, exceptional closing or a specific evening. (…)

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If the word has been removed in the meantime, the restaurant owner reserves the right to fire rude children.

Are you for or against a child-free public space?

If refusing to welcome children in certain restaurants is completely illegal, the idea still appeals to a large public. Recalcitrant restaurateurs receive waves of support from patrons who perceive children as a nuisance, likely to jeopardize the calm of an adult dinner.

Argument is heard, some children are very rowdy, and some parents react very badly when pointed out to them. Just like some customers who have been of age for a long time talk very loudly during their meal, yell dirty jokes or chew and spit at will.

It is perfectly understandable that the crying of a newborn is intolerable to guests, or passengers, who have not asked for anything. We can also consider that this child’s cries are part of the imponderables of a collective life in society. These two visions can be defended, but they are relatively incompatible, and the debate between those who can’t stand the crying of babies in public spaces versus those who simply consider it part of life is not close to dying out.

Photo credit image of one: Getty Images Signature