Going to a restaurant can be a stressful experience for parents. Parents often can’t control their children in public, making dining out an unpleasant experience for everyone present.
This couple had a similar experience and claims they received a “fine” for it. Keep reading to learn more.
A restaurant in northern Georgia did something unexpected: it fined its customers for “bad parental behavior.” Toccoa Riverside, a restaurant on the outskirts of Blue Ridge, has sparked an online debate: Is it fair to make parents pay for their children’s bad behavior?
On Reddit, one customer shared their experience at the restaurant. They wrote: “The owner came and told me he was adding $50 to my bill due to my children’s behavior… disappointed by the experience.”
A journalist contacted the restaurant and got their version of the events. The owner, Tim Richter, decided to tell the truth. He said that while the restaurant added more during COVID-19 to cover costs, he hadn’t recently charged anyone other than the bill.
He said he never threatened anyone with a surcharge until a family visited his restaurant with nine children a few weeks ago. He explained that the children were running in all directions.
He said he gave the parents a warning, but never charged them any money!
“We want parents to be parents,” he simply said. The restaurant, located in the mountains along the Toccoa River, is accustomed to a calm clientele. The establishment is very busy, and at lunchtime, cars park on the side of the road.
A customer named Laura Spillman, who was visiting from Florida, said she couldn’t believe the policy when she heard it.
“That’s crazy,” she said with disbelief. “Really? I don’t think you should do that because kids are cute.”
Anne Cox, who was having lunch with her family, said the fee could encourage parents to better control their children.
She said, “Parents should teach kids manners,” and added, “They should teach kids to behave properly. There are other people in the world, so they should have fun in the right place.”
Federico Gambineri, who was at the restaurant with his young son, said it was the first time he had ever heard of such a policy. “This is the first time I’ve heard of this, and since I have a 20-month-old who may not always behave well in a restaurant, I hope they don’t charge me,” he added. “I think if I were charged, I’d be very unhappy and probably never recommend this place to anyone.”
Jack Schneider, a regular customer of the restaurant, said he had never heard of the surcharge. “I have mixed feelings about this,” Schneider said. “At the same time, we were all sitting by the tables saying, ‘Hey, do something with this kid.’ So, I think it’s more the parents’ fault.”
