Angie’s Oyster Bar and Grill: Sheffield reacts to ‘screaming child surcharge’ introduced at Singapore restaurant

Angie’s Oyster Bar and Grill in Singapore introduced a ‘screaming child surcharge’ for parents whose children are loud at the table. They charge $10 (around £6) to customers whose children are loud and cause disturbance to other diners in the establishment. Their rule went viral online with a heated debate emerging over whether the restaurant was in the right or wrong for their policy.

Angie’s Oyster Bar and Grill responded to the negativity, saying: “Over the last few months, we’ve received an increasing number of complaints of children running around unattended or disturbing the other tables during the service period. Because of these experiences, we felt we had no choice but to impose a ‘penalty’ to address such unfortunate situations.”

YouGov launched a survey asking British people what they think about the ‘screaming child surcharge’ and the results are mixed. 21 per cent strongly support the idea, 26 per cent tend to support the notion but 21 per cent tend to oppose and 24 per cent strongly oppose the ‘screaming child surcharge’.

The Sheffield Star asked its readers what they think about the idea of charging parents for misbehaving children in restaurants. Many people agree with the restaurant and would be happy to see a similar rule introduced into businesses in the UK.

David Scotherm said: “Great idea. I’d actually pay more to dine somewhere that bans children.” Kellie Louise wrote: “I agree, might encourage parents to act as parents.” Jenny Edwards commented: “I’d prefer to dine in a child free restaurant some days.”

However, there are also a large number of parents who don’t think the charge is fair towards people with children. Terry Scott Hague said: “Children make noise. You can’t charge a parent because of it.” Andrew James wrote: “I would refuse to pay it, you cannot know when a child is going to throw a tantrum and what if the child is ill and can’t help it.” Sam Wallace commented: “No, children make noise, despite the best efforts of parents. If there was this fine it would put parents off and then children would never learn to behave whilst dining.”

Some readers pointed out that a fine would not be inclusive for children who are classified as SEND. Liz Flewers said: “Great news for those of us on the spectrum, it’s already difficult enough to go out for a meal. What a stupid idea, not inclusive at all.” Rachel Peterson agreed, writing: “Have they considered some children and adults cannot help but make noise, for example those with learning disabilities. They should not be excluded and made to feel like they should hide away.”

One reader pointed out that it is not always children who cause the disturbances in restaurants but unruly adults who spoil the fun. Tina Louise Needham said: “What about a charge for the loud foul mouthed adults that are often worse than the kids. Oliver Ibbotson agreed, writing: “We need to add a hooligan charge for when customers simply cannot behave and disrupt regular folks enjoying their meal. There are lots of children who behave much better than some adults. Especially when those adults have had a few drinks.”