Should children be banned from pubs?

It might seem surprising today, but children have only been officially allowed to enter pubs for the last two decades – and whether that relationship has been a healthy one is still up for debate.

Since the Licensing Act was introduced in 2003, under 16s have been permitted in alehouses around the UK provided they are accompanied by an adult, and if the landlord allows it.

But on Monday, the New Inn in Bacup, Lancashire, announced it was to close its doors to children, citing complaints over “the mess” some were leaving behind.

A quick scroll through the comments on the pub’s social media pages seems to show a mixed reception to the decision, which begs the question: Should children ever be banned?

Sixty miles away from the New Inn, one pub in Chester promises punters a unique and “old-fashioned” atmosphere, with a blanket ban on children.

The inside of the Albion Inn is decorated with memorabilia from the early 20th century, an era beloved by the former landlord of 50 years, Mike Mercer.

“My husband had a great way of describing it: It’s a grown-ups pub for grown-up people,” said incumbent landlady Christina Mercer.

Mrs Mercer took charge of the Albion four years ago following Mr Mercer’s death, and vowed to keep his vision alive.

She believes they are “offering a service” to people who want to go somewhere they can “sit quietly and read the newspaper” or have a chat with friends, enjoying adult company.

Mrs Mercer said: “There are plenty of pubs, cafes, and restaurants in Chester and across the country who allow children in, but there aren’t many who object to it.

“Curiously enough, we get an awful lot of teachers that come in during their holiday time because our atmosphere works for them.”

Elsewhere, in what might seem like an alternative reality, the Airport Pub, at Manchester Airport, has invested in its play area facilities with the hope of attracting more families before they go on holiday.

Customers of all ages can sit and enjoy aircraft taking off from the runway, while making the most of a range of fun climbing frames and other apparatus.

“Our ethos here is family, and we want to be welcoming,” said Holly Richardson, from the Stockport-based Robinsons brewery, which owns the Airport Pub.

“There are pubs which are for adults only, but here family is at the heart of it and our investment in the play area is all for the children.”

However, Ms Richardson acknowledges opinion is split on the subject, and said that each of Robinson’s more than 250 pubs are “individual and different”.

Back in Lancashire, and the people of Bacup have been sharing their viewpoints on the ban at the New Inn.

“I don’t agree with the ban, or at least not during the day,” said Anne Hughes, 62.

“If it’s in the evening, then yes. You don’t want to go out and have a drink and have children running around. They should be in bed.”

Chris McTernan, 56, has some sympathy.

“There’s no youth clubs here and and so nothing for children to do,” he said.

“But even so, that kind of environment lets you get away from kids. You don’t want to go to the pub and have it full of them.”

The Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) told the BBC that welcoming children can be “an important part” of a pub’s role as a community hub.

“Deciding if children can go into a pub is up to the guardian of the child and the publican,” said Ash Corbett-Collins, chairman of CAMRA.

“There are great pubs across the UK that cater brilliantly to families with children, and some that choose not to.”