US restaurant sparks fiery debate after banning children under 10: 'No longer permitted to dine'
An Italian restaurant in New Jersey in the US is dividing locals after unceremoniously announcing on social media it would be banning children under the age of 10.
Whilst some people have taken offence to the new rule, others are revelling in the chance to have a kid-free dinner.
Taking to Instagram, Nettie's House of Spaghetti made a post informing customers that they would no longer be allowing children under 10 in their establishment.
Watch the clip above.
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The restaurant announced their decision via social media. Facebook
"We love kids. We really, truly, do. But lately, it's been extremely challenging to accommodate children at Nettie's. Between noise levels, lack of space for high chairs, cleaning up crazy messes, and the liability of kids running around the restaurant, we have decided that it's time to take control of the situation," the post's caption reads.
"This wasn't a decision that was made lightly, but some recent events have pushed us to implement this new policy.
"As of March 8, the day we return from our winter break, we will no longer allow children under 10 to dine in the restaurant."
The restaurant added that they believe that this is the best decision for both themselves and customers moving forward.
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Overwhelmingly, parents and non-parents alike agreed with the restaurant's new rule. Getty
Whilst you may be expecting widespread outrage, parents and non-parents alike overwhelmingly supported the business' decision.
"Your house, your rules 🙌🙌🙌 I'm a mum – kid free dinners are AMAZING and every. one. knows. it. 👏🏻 moms especially!" one commenter wrote under the post.
"Amen! If this is offensive, go to Denny's!" another wrote.
"Hey if anyone needs a babysitter, I'm $20/hour for one kid, $25/hr for two!! And $40/hr if you're on this post complaining :)" a third joked.
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The restaurant is a local and popular Italian eatery. Getty Images/iStockphoto
However, not everyone is agreeing with the ban, with a small minority of locals even labelling the decision as "age discrimination".
"This might be harsh…," one person said. "You don't love kids. If you loved kids you would make it a priority to accommodate them and their families," another upset commenter wrote.
The post has since gone viral after locals shared the restaurant's announcement on TikTok.
"There are rare days I love being on the internet and this is one of them," TikToker and local @gravmasterhash said in a video.
"The comment section is fire and the locals are going off."
