On the button Sherwood. Pubs are for adults and totally unsuitable for children, as a licensee selling a licensed drug I see the best of people and unfortunately the worst of people and I have seen and heard enough to know that a pub is just not the right environment. As a child I have never been to a pub with my parents and I don't think they were short of ideas to spend family time together. These days there are plenty more alternatives anyway. I think kids should stay out of pubs, both if you don't like them but especially if you like them and want to keep them from being exposed to adult childishness and drivvle that us poor licensees have to put up with!!
I think Wetherspoons are entirely right to curb the drinks policy for parents, the licenced trade is constantly under scrutiny for corrupting our young people and more self regulation is required in the industry to keep this Nanny State from meddling with our right to party (responsibly).