It’s fair to say the traditional British pub has always been seen as a wind-down space for adults (‘It dictated the whole atmosphere’: why some landlords are banning kids from pubs, 26 March). Adult conversations, a laugh and a joke with mates and, yes, getting a little tipsy and merry without having to worry about the responsibility of looking after, or even maintaining decorum in front of, the children.
As adults we don’t dive into the ball pits at McDonald’s, or invade playgrounds to go on the swings or see-saws, even for a laugh, because it’s not our space.
If a pub has a nice beer garden, there may be scope for a family area outside for dining and drinks during the day at the discretion of the landlord, but inside the pub, where adults are drinking lots of alcohol, it really should be just for the grownups.
Diane Silva
Bournemouth, Dorset
• The pub landlord Egil Johansen in your article is not alone in being sucked into the entitlement world of his customers. As soon as a ticket, drink, food, school uniform and many other things have been bought, some people abrogate all responsibility, and not only for their children.
The first letter I received as administrator for a theatre was from a solicitor informing me that his client, who had fallen on ice on his way to a performance, would be seeking compensation from us. This was not forthcoming; however, that was 40 years ago and maybe in 2026 it might just be.
Penny McPhillips
Garstang, Lancashire
• I’m with the person who said of WC Fields: “Any man who hates dogs and children can’t be all bad.”
Nigel Linford
Eastbourne, East Sussex
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