I have witnessed a lot of poor behaviour by children of all ages, playing, screaming and running around both in restaurant and pubs. In all cases parents pretended not to see what was going on. The same happens very often on buses, trains and even airports in this country. So, no, I believe children should not be allowed in pubs because they are places for adults and those who have decided not to have children or to leave them with a babysitter for the evening should not put up with other children misbehaviour. I have been to Spain for the first time recently and it is indeed a good example how "family life" mixes with social life and drinking, there were babies and children with their parents and friends in bars, but they all drank and ate tapas and nobody got drunk, they did not stay more than an hour or two. Children were incredibly well behaved. On the other hand in our hotel there were a few British couples who allowed their children to run up and down the reception hall, throw themselves on the floors and generally scream. The parents seemed to think this was normal and were not bothered at all by the noise and general disturbance their children caused. The hotel staff seemed embarrassed as this was a five star establishment with mainly a business clientele. The same happened at the airport, especially at the check-in desks, only British children were seen running around and on the floor. Children can be taught to understand that sometimes it is boring to stay calm and quiet but they have to be obedient and not behave as they would at home, on the playground or in the park. Because there is a time and a place for everything. If your children are getting bored and start shouting and running around in the pub you should leave and take them to the park or back home. Alternatively you can teach them how to behave and have some respect for people around you. People with children do not have any superior rights over childless people.