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A seafood restaurant in Nova Scotia is feeling the ire of the community after posting this statement on its Facebook page:
"Effective as of now, we will no longer allow small screaming children. We are an adult-themed restaurant that caters to those that enjoy food and are out to enjoy themselves. We understand this may upset some, but after careful consideration, we feel it's best for those (who) enjoy, appreciate and understand our business."
Realizing the folly of its ways, the Lobster Pound quickly deleted the offending post and issued a public and very convoluted apology, along with a vow to serve any hungry belly. But for some patrons, the sentiment left a lingering bad taste and a vow never to return to the popular restaurant.
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You can't please all the people all the time. But it seems like owner Richard Moore only backtracked because of the wrath directed at his business—and the ensuing worry for its livelihood—than any genuine regret over his stance. He claims the decision to ban children wasn't based on sales, then in the next breath he says:
"Please also note that restaurants that are licensed have a seating limit. I am looking into it but I'm pretty sure inspectors count every head regardless of age. Fire inspector the same. When you come in with a 'lil one in a carrier, they must be considered a dinner even if they can't eat yet."
This isn't the first time businesses have been in fisticuffs with young families. Of course I'm not a fan of "small screaming children" any more than the next person—no more, in fact, than the parents of said small screaming child.
But to suggest any person is not welcome in a public business is discrimination, no matter how you try to sugarcoat it.
Swap out "children" with "woman," or "gay" or "elderly" or any other segment of society and the discrimination is blatant. Are we really willing to support in restaurants the kind of segregation that was once commonplace in bathrooms and buses? It may seem like I'm reaching, but think about it.
Would you support a restaurant that clearly didn't want your children and babies there? Or are restaurants entitled to cherry pick its clientele?