Remember the Tots Vs. Foodies case that rocked the nation's capital not so long ago? Well, it seems the Tots emerged victorious after a human rights complaint was lodged against an Ottawa restaurant.
It all started when the trendy restau, Taylor’s Genuine Wine and Food Bar, expected a party to leave their three-month-old baby at home. When Ruth Gard and her sisters requested a chair for the car seat, the owner's reaction markedly changed.
Apparently Sylvia Taylor told the diners that children weren't welcome in the restaurant because "we don’t want that kind of environment.” Another employee added that though the family wouldn't be denied entry, the atmosphere would be inappropriate should the baby needed to be nursed, and that furthermore the establishment lacked change tables and room for strollers.
Although the details of the Human Rights Tribunal of Ontario settlement could not be disclosed, it's assumed that Gard was triumphant against Taylor.
Though the washrooms still aren't equipped with change tables, guests are reassured that children are now welcome at the restaurant.
I can't comment on Taylor's as a venue. But honestly, there are restaurants of a certain calibre to which I wouldn't take my child, and if I wouldn't, then I admit I would feel slightly affronted if other people did.
Should privately owned and run businesses be free to set their own terms, and leave it up to clients to choose where to dine and where to boycott? Do you think it's fair for restaurants to determine their clientele, or is it blatant discrimination to exclude children from eating there?
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