Are children allowed on licensed premises?
Simply put, yes, Children allowed on licensed premises, are but with certain caveats. In England and Wales, children are allowed on licensed premises (such as pubs, bars, and restaurants that serve alcohol) under certain conditions. The specific rules can vary depending on the type of license the premises hold and any conditions that have been placed on that license by the local licensing authority.
General Guidelines:
Age Restrictions:
Under 16s: Children under 16 are generally allowed on licensed premises, but they must be accompanied by an adult (someone over 18 years old) if they are in a place where alcohol is being sold for consumption.
Under 18s: Children aged 16 or 17 can enter licensed premises without an adult, but they are not allowed to consume alcohol. However, they may drink beer, wine, or cider if it is with a meal and they are accompanied by an adult.
Licensing Conditions:
Some premises have specific conditions on their licenses that may restrict or control the presence of children. For example, some pubs may have a license condition that does not allow children under a certain age after a particular time (e.g., after 9 PM).
These conditions can vary widely depending on the establishment and the local licensing authority.
Areas of Premises:
In some establishments, children may be allowed in certain areas but not in others. For instance, a pub might allow children in a dining area or beer garden but not in the bar area where alcohol is served.
Licensee Discretion:
The license holder or the person in charge of the premises has the discretion to refuse entry to children, even if they are accompanied by an adult, depending on the situation.
Entertainment and Events:
If the premises is hosting a special event or providing entertainment, different rules may apply. For example, children might be allowed at a family event but not at a late-night party.
Health and Safety:
All premises are required to consider health and safety regulations, which might affect whether children are allowed in certain areas, especially where there may be a higher risk (e.g., near a busy bar area or where glass bottles are in use).
Conclusion:
In summary, children can be allowed on licensed premises in England and Wales, but there are specific conditions and restrictions that depend on their age, the nature of the premises, and any specific licensing conditions in place.
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