Unattended Children

Thanks for all the wonderful (and funny) responses!

I think we're going to put up a sign that says "No children under the age of 14 unless accompanied by an adult." I know this won't necessarily solve everything, but at least we will have a policy in place that my employees can enforce.

We have two 11 years old girls that come in each day (and buy something) and I spoke with them today to tell them that I was fine with them, but due to others we had to make this a new rule. They knew exactly who one of my trouble makers was and offered to show me where he lives if need be. So I told them they were welcome anytime but let them know what was going on. Maybe they can help me run off the poorly behaved kids.

I also like the idea of asking for names and phone numbers to call parents or police...

I think any rule that an establishment chooses needs to be uniformly enforced. If your cute 11 yr olds are asian and the 'trouble makers' are native americans than you'd be rightly accused of discrimination. The fact of the matter is that the 13 yr old with perfectly good legal tender that won't come in with your sign may be just as sweet as the 11 yr old sisters. I don't like the exclusion idea one bit.

I think any rule that an establishment chooses needs to be uniformly enforced. If your cute 11 yr olds are asian and the 'trouble makers' are native americans than you'd be rightly accused of discrimination. The fact of the matter is that the 13 yr old with perfectly good legal tender that won't come in with your sign may be just as sweet as the 11 yr old sisters. I don't like the exclusion idea one bit.

You do make a very good point here, that I do agree with. So far we haven't made a specific rule or put up any signs, but I have instructed my employees to talk to kids that look younger than ten and tell them they need to come back with an adult, and to ask for their names and parents' phone numbers if they linger or seem suspicious.

It's such a frustrating situation because I have no problem with kids wanting to enjoy my place. But there are specific kids that have come in trying to steal, and there are kids so young (and/or out so late) that I am legitimately concerned for their safety.

I remember when I was in high school and The Twig and Leaf started a new policy that no kids under the age of eighteen were allowed in after 2pm, unless accompanied by an adult. At the time, my friends and I all found this completely ridiculous and discriminatory. Now, as a business owner, I can see why they felt the need to do that. I don't want to discriminate against ANYONE, but I do have a real problem. My employees and I are not babysitters. And as a public venue, anything could happen to these kids. I am trying to run a business, not summer camp.

I liked Debbie Gray's idea of a day each week having a special for neighborhood kids, but I am still concerned about the safety and young ages of kids coming in alone. There is a young boy who comes in and gets a cookie now and then, who sometimes jokes that his mom would kill him if she knew where he was. This boy can't be older than five. What I want to know is where his mother is.

I also am taking Paula B's advice to call the police and ask them to step up patrols in the area.

Jess,
just say no.
It's okay. I live and work in your neighborhood. Just tell them to bugger off. Quit stressing yourself out over this paltery sh%^$. I mean really, you have a picture of cake over your door. Kids are drawn to you like flies. I know you, you will be pleasant about it. Trying to inform the 'rents is goofy. They have $$ to pay or they don't. It's only PC if you make a stink about it.

Sorry I don't know the answer to this, but, what is your place?

The best cake place in town- Sweet Surrender.

BTW, Jessica- I was in on Saturday night. No kids to be seen, but the Pina Colada cake was fantastic!
Deb

This is another tangent from the original thread, but I witnessed a 5-month old infant being allowed to actually sit on the bar in diapers at Austins. What are the parents thinking ? What is management thinking ?

With permission on this Fathers Day from my still-has-a-sense-of-humor 90 year old dad...I'll take him to the bar at Austins and ask him to perch up there in his Depends and see how cute ecoli on the counter really is...blech...